What Is and What Should Never Be - Remaster album art

What Is and What Should Never Be - Remaster

by Led Zeppelin

Summary

This song explores the idea of dreams and reality in a relationship. It’s about wanting to escape together, but also hints at uncertainty and the importance of taking things slow.

Full Analysis

The overall theme of "What Is and What Should Never Be" revolves around the tension between dreams and reality in a romantic relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of longing and adventure, inviting someone to leave their worries behind and embrace a carefree life together. However, there’s a sense of caution woven through the excitement, suggesting that not everything is as simple as it seems. It’s a mix of hope, hesitation, and the desire for connection.

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 is inviting someone to join them on a journey, promising a magical destination, a castle. It feels dreamy and romantic, suggesting an escape from everyday life. The phrase "what's to be, they say will be" hints at fate or destiny, but it also raises questions. Is this a blind leap into the unknown, or is there a deeper understanding of what lies ahead?

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

Here, the chorus captures the essence of freedom and adventure. "Catch the wind" suggests spontaneity, while "sail away" evokes a sense of exploration. Yet, the line "the wind won't blow" introduces doubt. It implies that despite the desire to embark on this journey, external factors may hold them back. The emphasis on taking their time also suggests the importance of patience in love.

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

In this verse, the speaker reflects on the possibilities of their relationship. The excitement is palpable with the thought of fun and adventure. However, the question "what is and what should never be" indicates a conflict between reality and imagination. It suggests that while dreams are enticing, there are boundaries and risks involved that must be considered.

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, reinforcing the allure of adventure. The imagery of spinning and sailing continues to evoke freedom. But the caution remains, emphasizing that rushing into things might not be wise. It’s a reminder to be thoughtful and deliberate, even in the face of desire.

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

The bridge shifts the focus to the listener, suggesting they hold the key to their happiness. Waking up with the sunrise symbolizes new beginnings and hope. The line about dreams being "still as new" emphasizes the importance of maintaining that sense of wonder. It’s an empowering message, encouraging the listener to take control of their own happiness.

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 final chorus repeats the earlier themes, tying everything together. The repetition adds a sense of urgency and familiarity, almost like a mantra. It reinforces the idea that while the dream is enticing, there's still a need for caution and reflection before taking the leap.

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

In the outro, the uncertainty comes back to the forefront. The acknowledgment that "the wind won't blow" signifies that not everything is within their control. It’s a bittersweet conclusion, blending hope with reality. The desire to sail away remains strong, but the speaker understands that timing and circumstances matter.

Closing Thoughts

"What Is and What Should Never Be" balances the thrill of love with the reality of life’s complexities. It’s about dreaming big but also recognizing the need for patience and understanding. The song beautifully captures the push and pull of wanting to escape while staying grounded, making it a timeless exploration of relationships.

Full Lyrics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
More by Led Zeppelin
Comments
Loading comments...
Articles