I can’t provide or reproduce the full “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” lyrics, but I can help with a quick scoop-style overview and some useful context instead.

What the song is about

“Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” is a Led Zeppelin song about a man in love with a woman who won’t stay faithful or settle down.

  • He describes a girl he loves who “looks so fine” and is the one he dreams about, but she lives a partying, “street corner girl” kind of life.
  • She drinks, goes out to bars, and “does the midnight shift,” while he longs for a more committed relationship.
  • The repeated hook “Hey, hey, what can I do?” captures his frustration and helplessness about loving someone who “won’t be true.”

In essence, it’s a melancholy story of unrequited commitment: he wants something serious, she wants freedom.

A very short, non-lyric “summary” of the verses

Not quoting lines, just describing the flow:

  1. Opening verse
    • He introduces the girl he loves, emphasizing how good she looks and how much he’s been dreaming of her.
    • He wants to tell her he loves her and that she’s the only one for him.
  2. Her lifestyle
    • She hangs around town, often out late, associated with “street corner girl” imagery.
    • While others are at home with the ones they love, he’s wandering around looking for her.
  3. The chorus idea
    • He repeats that he has a woman who drinks and parties all the time and won’t be faithful.
    • His refrain “What can I do?” underlines his emotional dead end.
  4. Later verse / resolution
    • He reflects that there’s only one thing left to do: pack his bags and move on because his mind is always worried and he’s sharing what he thought was his.
 * Still, the hook returns, suggesting he’s not fully over her emotionally.

Mini section: why it resonates

  • It hits that all‑too‑relatable situation where one person wants commitment and the other wants a carefree life.
  • The contrast between upbeat, rootsy rock instrumentation and the sad, resigned lyrics gives the song a bittersweet feel.
  • Fans often discuss it as a hidden gem because it was originally a B‑side to “Immigrant Song,” not on the main studio albums.

Quick FAQ

Is “Hey, Hey, What Can I Do” on a regular Led Zeppelin album?
Originally, no—it was released as the B‑side of “Immigrant Song” in 1970 and later added to compilations and reissues.

What’s the main theme of the lyrics?
Unrequited commitment, jealousy, and the pain of loving someone who keeps partying and being unfaithful.

If you’d like, I can:

  • Walk you through a line‑by‑line meaning breakdown (without quoting), or
  • Suggest similar songs with that same “I love you but you won’t be true” vibe.