What Is and What Should Never Be

Song Meaning

{"song_id": 12658719, "meaning": "Jimmy Page's \"What Is and What Should Never Be\" is a masterclass in desire and the agonizing push-and-pull between fantasy and reality. The song meaning isn't explicitly spelled out, yet it throbs with the tension of forbidden love or, perhaps more accurately, a love that's perpetually just out of reach. The opening lines offer a seductive invitation: a fairytale castle where destiny is predetermined. But the chorus immediately undercuts this promise with a blunt dose of reality: \"the wind won't blow, you really shouldn't go.\" This suggests a deep-seated conflict, a yearning for something unattainable. The lyrics hint at societal constraints or personal limitations that prevent the relationship from fully materializing. The use of the conditional tense—\"what should never be\"— speaks volumes about the internal battle being waged. It's not just about external obstacles, but also about the speaker's own doubts and fears. The lyrics analysis reveals a fascinating interplay between the idealized and the pragmatic. The verses paint a picture of escapism—\"Catch the wind, see us spin, sail away\"—while the chorus acts as a constant grounding force, reminding us that such flights of fancy are ultimately unsustainable. This tension is further amplified by the contrasting musical styles within the song, shifting between delicate, almost ethereal passages and heavy, blues-infused riffs. The later, more frenetic sections, with their shout-outs to B.B. King, suggest a desperate attempt to break free from the constraints that bind the lovers. The mantra-like repetition of \"everybody I know seems to know me well / But does everybody know we're gonna move like hell?\" hints at a desire to defy expectations and societal norms. Ultimately, \"What Is and What Should Never Be\" captures the universal experience of longing for something just beyond our grasp. It's a song about the intoxicating power of possibility and the painful awareness of its limitations. The song isn't simply a lament; it's an exploration of the complex emotions that arise when desire collides with reality. The push-and-pull, the fantasy versus the grounded, makes this track a truly compelling listen."}