“Dancing Days” is likely the first song that comes to mind when we think of Led Zeppelin’s 1973 album Houses of the Holy. I mean, come on. It’s the mighty Led Zeppelin who deliver a funky, upbeat, and confidently offbeat performance. But if you’ve ever heard the Stone Temple Pilots’ cover from the 1990s (originally recorded for Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin and currently on the 2019 Super Deluxe Edition of Purple), you might have noticed something unexpected: it sounds better.
At least, it does to me. Whatever, I’m a STP defender. But, this preference reflects something important, not just about music, but about the content world in general.
Reinvention, Not Replication
The original version of “Dancing Days” by Led Zeppelin is a quirky mix of groove and mysticism. Robert Plant’s vocals are loose and playful, the riff is jagged and hypnotic, and the whole thing feels like a Moroccan bazaar party. Sure, it’s fun-but it’s also a bit chaotic. Emotionally, though, it never quite clicked like “The Rain Song.”
Let’s introduce the STP version. They tighten the screws in their version. The tempo is slowed just enough to allow the groove to breathe. Scott Weiland’s vocals are more grounded, less performative. It is cleaner in production. Suddenly, the song turns into something more emotional and haunting, even moving.
The creative principle here is that reinterpretation can polish the raw energy of an original idea into something more accessible, more powerful, or simply more appropriate.
Great Artists Steal—And Then Refine
There’s a famous quote attributed to Picasso: “Good artists copy. Great artists steal.” In modern terms, this could be rephrased as: “Good creators mimic. Great creators reinterpret.”
STP didn’t copy Led Zeppelin’s “Dancing Days.”
Instead, they filtered it according to their own aesthetic. They reimagined the melody while honoring its melody. It wasn’t an attempt to be Zeppelin, like Great Van Fleet. It was an attempt to respond to them.
So, whether you’re writing, filming, designing, or podcasting, the same rules apply. Inspiration does not always lead to imitation. In fact, some of the most interesting work comes from flipping the tone, pacing, or delivery of a good idea. Just like STP did.
Covers as Creative Dialogue
With “Dancing Days,” Stone Temple Pilots weren’t just honoring Led Zeppelin, they were beginning a conversation. This is a model for how content creators can approach their work today.
Consider blog posts that respond to viral articles, YouTube creators who remix TikToks, or newsletters discussing podcast moments that are often overlooked. It’s not theft, it’s dialogue. Occasionally, the answer is something the originator didn’t anticipate. Or couldn’t.
When you embrace reinterpretation, you open up a world of creative serendipity. By starting with a foundation that works, you bring in your own voice, context, and age. It is possible for the result to feel familiar but better at the same time.
Your Audience Doesn’t Care Who Did It First
When people say they prefer STP’s “Dancing Days” (as I do), it’s rarely about who came first. It all depends on how it is delivered.
Often, originality is overrated when it comes to content creation. It’s all about connection that matters. Did your take resonate better with the audience than the original? Is it clearer, more relevant, or more styled?
So, don’t be afraid to remix. It’s okay to be “late.” If you see potential in an idea someone else explored, spin it, stretch it, and slow it down. Let’s see what happens.
Stone Temple Pilots weren’t Led Zeppelin. They didn’t try to be. But, they discovered something inside of “Dancing Days” that wasn’t fully realized.
Final Thoughts: Keep Dancing
Often, the best content isn’t the first draft. It is sometimes the second voice that sharpens the melody. So the next time you find yourself inspired by someone else’s work, don’t ignore your urge to respond. Rework the structure. Adjust the tempo. And, most importantly, make it yours.