It Should've Been You
Unfulfilled Melodies: Love Lost and Regret in 'It Should've Been You'
Lyrics
Turn it off
Expressing a desire to stop or avoid something.
I don't want to dance
Declining the idea of dancing.
It sounds just like you
Comparing a sound or music to someone's likeness.
And he's got your hands
Noticing similarities between someone and another person.
You're big in small circles
Being popular or influential in small social circles.
Maybe big in France
Possibly having fame in a distant place like France.
But my country just never game a damn
Feeling neglected or unappreciated in one's own country.
It should've been you
Expressing regret or a missed opportunity for a relationship.
But a singer without a song
Describing a singer without a successful song.
Who never realized the night is long
Awareness of the long and challenging night when one is sober and unlucky.
When you're sober and out of luck
Referring to the vulnerability when not under the influence.
They'll steal your best lines and your haircut
Warning about the potential theft of personal attributes like lines and appearance.
It should've been you
Reiterating the missed opportunity for a relationship.
Lying here with my younger man
Being with a younger partner who may lack understanding.
He's good-looking but he doesn't understand
Acknowledging the partner's good looks but not understanding the speaker.
That who I am is not my clothes or my car
Stressing that identity is not defined by material possessions.
He's got no soul
Pointing out the partner's lack of depth or emotional connection.
But he's a rock star
Despite lacking depth, the partner is a rock star.
It should've been you
Expressing regret for not being with a specific person.
And I know I'm a fair-weather fuck
Acknowledging a fair-weather attitude towards the relationship.
I only want you when you're on top
Admitting the desire for the person when they are successful.
I'm afraid when I feel your love
Fearing the emotions that come with receiving love.
I turned away
Turning away from love despite the fear.
But I'm not better off
Recognizing that turning away may not lead to a better situation.
It should've been you
Reiterating the missed opportunity for a relationship.
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