About the song
“Hey, Hey What Can I Do” by Led Zeppelin is a fascinating and unique entry in the legendary band’s discography. Released as the B-side to their 1970 single “Immigrant Song”, this track holds a special place in the hearts of fans for its distinct sound and compelling narrative. Not included on any of the band’s main studio albums, it remained a rarity until its eventual inclusion on later compilations like “Coda” (1993 reissue) and “The Complete Studio Recordings” box set. Despite its elusive origins, “Hey, Hey What Can I Do” is celebrated as one of Led Zeppelin’s most memorable non-album tracks.
Lyrically, the song is an uncharacteristic departure from the mysticism and grandeur often associated with Led Zeppelin’s work. Instead, it tells a down-to-earth story of unrequited love and longing. The narrator describes his love for a woman whose lifestyle of drinking and infidelity contrasts starkly with his own desires for a faithful, wholesome relationship. The repeated refrain, “Hey, hey, what can I do?” captures the frustration and helplessness of loving someone who can’t or won’t reciprocate in the way one hopes. It’s a deeply relatable theme that resonates with listeners, adding a layer of universality to the song.
Musically, “Hey, Hey What Can I Do” showcases a more folk-inspired side of Led Zeppelin, contrasting with the heavy blues-rock sound they’re best known for. The instrumentation prominently features acoustic guitars, a mandolin, and layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich, warm texture that sets it apart from their harder-edged tracks. Jimmy Page’s intricate guitar work and John Paul Jones’ melodic basslines lend the song a breezy, almost pastoral feel, while Robert Plant’s soulful vocals bring emotional depth to the storytelling. John Bonham’s restrained drumming provides a subtle but steady rhythm, perfectly complementing the song’s laid-back vibe.
“Hey, Hey What Can I Do” was not initially included on a studio album, making it something of a hidden gem in the Zeppelin catalog. This rarity status contributed to its mystique, with fans eagerly seeking out the original single or live recordings where it was occasionally performed. Over the years, the song has grown in popularity, earning a place in many fans’ personal lists of favorite Zeppelin tracks.
Socially, the song offers a glimpse into the more introspective and human side of Led Zeppelin, a band often celebrated for its larger-than-life image. It showcases their versatility, proving they could tackle intimate, narrative-driven themes with as much mastery as their epic rock anthems. It’s a testament to their ability to transcend genre boundaries and explore new creative directions.
“Hey, Hey What Can I Do” remains a beloved track, cherished for its heartfelt lyrics, unique sound, and the sense of discovery it offers to those delving deeper into Led Zeppelin’s discography. It’s a song that reminds us of the complexities of love and the enduring power of music to capture our emotions.
Video
Lyrics
Want to tell you about the girl I loveMy she looks so fineShe’s the only one that I been dreamin’ ofMaybe someday she will be all mineI want to tell her that I love her soI thrill with her every touchI need to tell her she’s the only one I really loveI got a woman, want to ball all dayI got a woman, she won’t be true, noI got a woman, stay drunk all the timeI said I got a little woman and she won’t be trueSunday morning when we go down to churchSee the menfolk standin’ in lineI said they come to pray to the LordWith my little girl, looks so fineIn the evening when the sun is sinkin’ lowEverybody’s with the one they loveI walk the town, keep a-searchin’ all aroundLookin’ for my street corner girlI got a woman, want to ball all dayI got a woman, she won’t be true, no noI got a woman, stay drunk all the timeI said I got a little woman and she won’t be trueIn the bars, with the men who play guitarsSingin’, drinkin’ and rememberin’ the timesMy little lover does a midnight shiftShe followed around all the timeI guess there’s just one thing a-left for me to doGonna pack my bags and move on my way‘Cause I got a worried mind sharin’ what I thought was mineGonna leave her where the guitars playI got a woman, she won’t be true, no noI got a woman, want to ball all day, yeah, yeahI got a woman, stay drunk all the timeI got a little woman and she won’t be trueI said she won’t be trueNo, yeah, no, yeah, no, yeah, no, yeah (hey, hey, what can I say?)Ah (hey hey, what can I do) keep on, keep on(No, no, what can I say?) she won’tKeep on, keep on (hey, hey, what can I do?)(No, no, what can I say?)(Hey, hey, what can I do?)(No, no, what can I say?) hey, hey what can I do, I got a women she won’t be true(Hey, hey, what can I do?) oh oh hear what I said I got a woman wanna bawl all day(No, no, what can I say?) keep on keep on(Hey, hey, what can I do?)