I Should've Been After You
Rooney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it's feeling like old times
Standing in line at the front of the club
You're driving around town, blasting your mixes
Singing along to the words you don't know
[Chorus]
But it makes no difference
What I do or think or say
There's no way to convince you girls
That just ain't how you play
You set me up with your girlfriends
But none of them worked out for me
I'm starting to realize lately
I should have been after you (x2)
I can tell by your shaking hands
That you want me
So baby, don't hold back
Go with the flow
I know it looks bad
Because I kissed all your girlfriends
But that's what you get
When you live in a small world
It's hard to look at me
When you know where my lips have been
Forgetting makes things easier
Forgive me and let me in
You set me up with your girlfriends
But none of them worked out for me
I'm starting to realize lately
I should have been after you (x2)
You're gonna have to choose
Is it me or them?
That's the way it goes
Leave it all behind
All the baggage and dreams
I've liked you from the start
I'll admit it now
Girl, I've gotta have you
We don't have to tell anyone
About our little secret
I know you feel it too
Because you're the only one who understands
You're wasting all your time with someone else
You need another man
I could have been after you
[Chorus]
But it makes no difference
What I do or think or say
There's no way to convince you girls
That just ain't how you play
You set me up with your girlfriends
But none of them worked out for me
I'm starting to realize lately
I should have been after you
But after last night we're through
Run along with your new boy
Go be a sex toy
I could've been after you
The song "I Should've Been After You" by Rooney tells the story of a man who regrets not pursuing the woman he's interested in. He's been set up with her friends but they didn't work out, leading him to realize that he should have been after her all along.
The first verse paints a picture of the woman enjoying her time with friends, going out and having fun. The chorus speaks to his frustration, as he realizes that no matter what he does, he can't seem to convince her of his feelings. The second verse is the man reaching out to her, as he recognizes that she could be interested in him also due to her shaking hands. He admits to kissing her friends but explains that it was because he was set up with them.
The chorus repeats, adding frustration on his part about the way girls play these games. He is admitting guilt for his actions but also wants forgiveness so he can move forward with the relationship he truly wants.
The final verse escalates as the man confronts the woman, telling her to choose between him or other men. He finally confesses his feelings for her, saying if she wants him then they don't need to tell anyone else. However, he ends the song with a sense of hopelessness as she has moved on to another man.
Overall, "I Should've Been After You" is a testament to missed opportunities and the regret that comes with them. The song paints a vivid picture of someone who has realized too late what they wanted.
Line by Line Meaning
You're out with your friends
You are spending time with your friends
And it's feeling like old times
It feels like the past
Standing in line at the front of the club
Waiting outside the club
You're driving around town, blasting your mixes
Playing loud music while driving
Singing along to the words you don't know
Singing words you don't remember
But it makes no difference
It doesn't matter
What I do or think or say
My actions, thoughts, and words don't change anything
There's no way to convince you girls
You won't listen to me
That just ain't how you play
You don't do things the way I'd like
You set me up with your girlfriends
You introduced me to your female friends
But none of them worked out for me
None of them were a good match for me
I'm starting to realize lately
I am beginning to understand now
I should have been after you (x2)
I should have pursued you instead
I can tell by your shaking hands
I know that you are nervous
That you want me
You desire me
So baby, don't hold back
Don't be shy
Go with the flow
Follow your instincts
I know it looks bad
I understand that it seems negative
Because I kissed all your girlfriends
I kissed all the females you introduced me to
But that's what you get
That's your fault
When you live in a small world
In a small town, everyone knows everyone
It's hard to look at me
You find it difficult to look at me
When you know where my lips have been
You know who I've kissed
Forgetting makes things easier
Forgetting is more convenient
Forgive me and let me in
Please pardon me and reconsider our relationship
You're gonna have to choose
You must decide
Is it me or them?
Do you want me or your friends?
That's the way it goes
That's life
Leave it all behind
Forget about everything else
All the baggage and dreams
All the problems and aspirations
I've liked you from the start
I have been attracted to you since the beginning
I'll admit it now
I am confessing it to you
Girl, I've gotta have you
I need to be with you
We don't have to tell anyone
It can be our secret
About our little secret
About our relationship
I know you feel it too
I know you feel the same way
Because you're the only one who understands
You're the only person who gets me
You're wasting all your time with someone else
You are spending too much time with someone who isn't good for you
You need another man
You deserve someone else
I could have been after you
I should have gone after you
But after last night we're through
After what happened last night, we are over
Run along with your new boy
Go along with your new partner
Go be a sex toy
Go be someone's sexual object
I could've been after you
I should have pursued you
[Chorus]
Reiterating the futility of the situation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT SCHWARTZMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Audrey
He plays guitar, he fixes cars and he sings
jilly conn
he's SO hot
Cyndi W
I think the reason why I love them so much is because of how much they remind me of The Beatles and the fact that Robert looks a bit like George Harrison doesnt help. Rooney needs more recognition. Their talent is mind blowing and unbelievable.
ChupaTeresa
Discovered this gem recently, love every song this band came up with
Cory Young
underrated band, these guys are amazing =]
SomePersonManGuy
I don't understand why Rooney's videos aren't past the millions.
Christian Cheyenne
AWESOME SONG! Way better than most of todays music!
Laura Faburrieta
They are all so beautiful, wish it was the same guys making a comeback this year :/ but some are better than none. Can't wait for the new music.
Peter Neill
how good are they, why are they not more out there?
mister jobi
I love this song and video for all the right reasons. It is one of You Tube's hidden treasures.