Taylor Swift

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
If you would've blinked, then I would've
Looked away at the first glance
If you tasted poison, you could've
Spit me out at the first chance
And if I was some paint, did it splatter
On a promising grown man?
And if I was a child, did it matter
If you got to wash your hands?

[Pre-Chorus]
Ooh, all I used to do was pray
Would've, could've, should've
If you'd never looked my way

[Chorus]
I would've stayed on my knees
And I damn sure never would've danced with the devil
At nineteen
And the God's honest truth is that the pain was heaven
And now that I'm grown, I'm scared of ghosts
Memories feel like weapons
And now that I know, I wish you'd left me wondering

[Verse 2]
If you never touched me, I would've
Gone along with the righteous
If I never blushed, then they could've
Never whispered about this
And if you never saved me from boredom
I could've gone on as I was
But, Lord, you made me feel important
And then you tried to erase us
[Pre-Chorus]
Ooh, you're a crisis of my faith
Would've, could've, should've
If I'd only played it safe

[Chorus]
I would've stayed on my knees
And I damn sure never would've danced with the devil
At nineteen
And the God's honest truth is that the pain was heaven
And now that I'm grown, I'm scared of ghosts
Memories feel like weapons
And now that I know, I wish you'd left me wondering

[Bridge]
God rest my soul
I miss who I used to be
The tomb won't close
Stained glass windows in my mind
I regret you all the time
I can't let this go
I fight with you in my sleep
The wound won't close
I keep on waiting for a sign
I regret you all the time
[Verse 3]
If clarity's in death, then why won't this die?
Years of tearing down our banners, you and I
Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts
Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first

[Chorus]
And I damn sure never would've danced with the devil
At nineteen
And the God's honest truth is that the pain was heaven
And now that I'm grown, I'm scared of ghosts
Memories feel like weapons
And now that I know, I wish you'd left me wondering

[Outro]
God rest my soul
I miss who I used to be
The tomb won't close
Stained glass windows in my mind
I regret you all the time
I can't let this go
I fight with you in my sleep
The wound won't close
I keep on waiting for a sign
I regret you all the time
Oh, God rest my soul
I miss who I used to be
The tomb won't close
Stained glass windows in my mind
I regret you all the time
I can't let this go
I fight with you in my sleep
The wound won't close
I keep on waiting for a sign
I regret you all the time

Taylor Swift, a household name in the music industry, has continued to express her unique blend of heart, soul, and personal experiences through her music. One of the most compelling songs from her album, Lover, is the track "Would've, Could've, Should've". This song is about regret and the pain that comes with knowing that something that could’ve been great was let go. From its heavy, threatening drums to the vocal background harmonies that create ominous and sobering associations, "Would've, Could've, Should've" is a track that connects with fans on a deep and emotional level.

About Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve

The song starts with a slow but steady beat, leading to the verse where Taylor's voice is almost hushed, conveying a sense of vulnerability. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, striking at the heartstrings of anyone who has ever regretted letting love slip away. Throughout the song, Taylor uses religious overtones to express her regret for a youthful relationship which left her deeply scarred. It is a reflection of past experiences and also an acknowledgment of the impact those experiences have had on her life.

According to Genius, Taylor draws from her own experience in the song, specifically her relationship with John Mayer. At the time, Taylor was just nineteen years old while John Mayer was thirty-two, and the age difference drew a lot of criticism. Despite this, the young starlet stuck to her guns and pursued the relationship, which would eventually bring about a profound change in her life. Now, more than ten years after the end of the relationship, Taylor has expressed regrets for her actions, particularly in light of the power imbalance, the untimely taking of her innocence, and the lasting trauma she maintains from it.

The song’s title “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve,” is a phrase that is often used when looking back at missed opportunities and regretting not taking action. The chorus of the song emphasizes the pain and regret associated with missed opportunities when Taylor sings “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve, but it was all on me.” This is a clear admission of responsibility that shows how Taylor has internalized her experiences and taken responsibility for her mistakes.

The song is also a reflection on themes present in some of Taylor's earlier work, such as "A Perfectly Good Heart" and "Dear John," which deal with naivete and heartbreak. Sonically, the track is reminiscent of her earlier songs such as "Haunted" and "Don't Blame Me," with similarly heavy and ominous undertones. However, the song's message is different, with Taylor using her past experiences to create a more regretful and mournful tone.

In summary, "Would've, Could've, Should've" is a deeply personal song that shares a sense of regret and longing for something that was once close but has now slipped away. From its religious overtones to its melancholic tone, the song delves into Taylor's personal experiences and pain while still connecting with audiences on a universal level. It shows that even stars like Taylor have experienced the heartaches and troubles that come with life decisions that leave us wondering what could have been.

• Release Date: October 21, 2022
• Artist: Taylor Swift