Coulda Shoulda Woulda
J.P.McDermott and Western Bop Lyrics


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Which roads lead back where we started
Left might be right might be broken hearted
We’re navigating by stars we’re not versed in the art
Maybe we should buy ourselves a car
Drive out under the stars
Can’t be worse than here nothing left to fear

Are we better off with all our scars?
Like a sunrise overlaid with stars
Shoulda coulda woulda but I didn't
Shoulda coulda woulda but I didn't
But since we can't go backwards
Come take my hand let's move forward

Mind keeps drifting back to when we first started
Melrose Diner our path was uncharted
Coconut French toast
Waitress offers a toast
Memories of you dancing in my direction
Neath a harvest moon at the reception
I woulda married you
Woulda been the coulda I could do

Are we better off with all our scars?
Like a sunrise overlaid with stars
Shoulda coulda woulda but I didn't
Shoulda coulda woulda but I didn't




But since we can't go backwards
Come take my hand let's move forward

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to J.P. McDermott and Western Bop's song "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" express a sense of reflection and contemplation about the past and the choices that were made.


In the first verse, the singer ponders the different paths and choices that could have been taken. They question whether these choices would have led them back to where they started, or if they would have instead resulted in heartbreak. The mention of navigating by stars suggests that they are unsure of the direction they should have taken and feel unversed in the art of making the right decisions. The idea of buying a car and driving under the stars represents the search for a new journey or a fresh start, as they feel that anything would be better than where they are currently, where there is nothing left to fear.


The chorus explores the idea of embracing the scars and experiences they have gained along the way. The comparison to a sunrise overlaid with stars suggests that even though there have been challenges and regrets, these experiences have also brought beauty and growth. The repetition of "Shoulda coulda woulda" reflects a sense of regret for not making certain choices or taking certain actions in the past. However, since going back is not possible, the singer invites their partner to take their hand and move forward together, suggesting a sense of optimism and possibility for the future.


In the second verse, the singer's mind drifts back to a specific moment from the past - a visit to the Melrose Diner where their path together began. The mention of Coconut French toast and a waitress offering a toast adds a nostalgic and bittersweet tone to the memory. The reference to dancing in the direction of the person they were with under a harvest moon at a reception evokes a romantic and sentimental moment. The line "I woulda married you, Woulda been the coulda I could do" reveals a missed opportunity or a decision not taken, expressing a longing for what could have been.


Overall, the lyrics of "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" capture the complexity of looking back and reflecting on past choices. It explores the emotions of regret, nostalgia, and the desire to make different decisions. However, it also emphasizes the importance of accepting the scars and experiences gained along the way, and moving forward with hope and openness to new possibilities.


Line by Line Meaning

Which roads lead back where we started
We are unsure of which paths will lead us back to the beginning.


Left might be right might be broken hearted
Making choices that seem logical may still result in heartbreak and uncertainty.


We’re navigating by stars we’re not versed in the art
We are relying on guidance that we are not familiar with.


Maybe we should buy ourselves a car
Perhaps acquiring a means of transportation will provide a new perspective.


Drive out under the stars
Traveling beneath the night sky is an opportunity for escape and exploration.


Can’t be worse than here nothing left to fear
Embarking on a new journey is preferable to staying in a place filled with fear and despair.


Are we better off with all our scars?
Do we benefit from the lessons and experiences we have gained through our past wounds?


Like a sunrise overlaid with stars
Similar to a beautiful dawn adorned with shining stars, our lives are enriched by the confluence of past and present.


Shoulda coulda woulda but I didn't
Regretting missed opportunities or decisions that were not made.


But since we can't go backwards
Acknowledging the impossibility of returning to the past.


Come take my hand let's move forward
Let's embrace the future and progress together.


Mind keeps drifting back to when we first started
Thoughts often wander to the early days of our relationship.


Melrose Diner our path was uncharted
During our time at Melrose Diner, we were forging a new path without a defined direction.


Coconut French toast
Remembering a specific culinary experience.


Waitress offers a toast
Being served a celebratory drink by the waitress.


Memories of you dancing in my direction
Recalling the moments when you danced towards me.


Neath a harvest moon at the reception
Underneath a full moon during a festive gathering.


I woulda married you
I had the intention of becoming your spouse.


Woulda been the coulda I could do
It would have been the best decision I could have made.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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