What Is and What Should Never Be - 1990 Remaster

The overall theme of "What Is and What Should Never Be" dives into the hopes and uncertainties of love. It paints a picture of a romantic escape, but there's a hint of hesitation. The lyrics suggest that while dreams are enticing, there’s a need to balance them with what's practical. The journey of love seems exciting, but it’s filled with doubts and the fear of losing one's self in the process.

Verse 1

And if I say to you tomorrow
Take my hand, child, come with me
It's to a castle I will take you
Where what's to be, they say will be

In this verse, the speaker invites someone special on a journey. The mention of a castle suggests an idealized vision of love. It feels magical and full of potential. However, there’s a sense of uncertainty with the line “what's to be, they say will be,” hinting that fate plays a role. It sets the stage for the push and pull between hope and reality.

Chorus

Catch the wind, see us spin, sail away
Leave today, way up high in the sky and whoa
But the wind won't blow
You really shouldn't go, it only goes to show
That you will be mine, by taking our time

The chorus captures the thrill of adventure. “Catch the wind” and “sail away” evoke freedom and exploration. But then it quickly shifts to a warning. “But the wind won't blow” suggests obstacles that might hinder their journey. It’s like saying that even with all the dreams, the reality might not align with their wishes. The repetition of “you will be mine, by taking our time” emphasizes patience in love, suggesting it’s not all about rushing into things.

Verse 2

And if you say to me tomorrow
Oh, what fun it all would be
Then what's to stop us, pretty baby
But what is and what should never be

Here, the speaker reassures the listener that there’s nothing holding them back from having fun together. There’s a playful tone, yet the last line introduces doubt. “What is and what should never be” implies there are things that shouldn’t happen, hinting at the complications that love can bring. It creates a contrast between the desire for joy and the fear of consequences.

Chorus

Catch the wind, see us spin, sail away
Leave today, way up high in the sky and whoa
But the wind won't blow
You really shouldn't go, it only goes to show
That you will be mine, by taking our time

This chorus repeats the earlier sentiments. It reinforces the theme of adventure versus caution. The imagery of being “way up high in the sky” suggests a euphoric state, but there’s still that underlying warning about the wind not blowing. It emphasizes that while dreams are alluring, they might not come to fruition easily.

Bridge

So if you wake up with the sunrise
And all your dreams are still as new
And happiness is what you need so bad
Girl, the answer lies with you, yeah

In the bridge, there’s a sense of awakening. The speaker suggests that happiness is tied to the listener’s choices. The line “the answer lies with you” is empowering. It shifts the focus from a shared journey to personal responsibility in finding joy. It’s a reminder that each person has to find their own path, even in love.

Chorus

Catch the wind, see us spin, sail away
Leave today, way up high in the sky and whoa
But the wind won't blow
You really shouldn't go, it only goes to show
That you will be mine, by taking our time

This repeated chorus reinforces the central message. The playful imagery and the caution blend together, highlighting the complexities of love. It’s like a dance between wanting to take risks and recognizing the need to be careful.

Outro

Oh, but the wind won't blow and we really shouldn't go
And it only goes to show
Catch the wind, we're gonna see it spin
We're gonna sail, leave today
Everybody I know seems to know me well
But they're never going to know that I move like hell
Baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, baby, oh, lord
Baby, baby, babe, huh? Oh, I love ya
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
C'mon now, I want you now

In the outro, there’s a mix of acceptance and urgency. The repetition of the wind not blowing emphasizes that reality is setting in. The mention of moving “like hell” suggests a desire to escape or rush into things, contrasting with the earlier caution. It ends on a passionate note, with the speaker expressing love, but there’s still a feeling of uncertainty. It leaves us wondering if they will truly embark on this journey or remain stuck in indecision.

Closing Thoughts

"What Is and What Should Never Be" is a beautiful blend of longing and hesitation. It captures the excitement of love while acknowledging the real-world challenges. The song reminds us that while dreams are wonderful, they require careful thought and timing. It’s a timeless reflection on love’s complexities, wrapped in Led Zeppelin’s signature sound and emotional depth.