Coulda Shoulda Woulda
J.P. McDermott & Western Bop Lyrics
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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?
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
In "Coulda Shoulda Woulda" by J.P. McDermott & Western Bop, the lyrics explore themes of reflection, missed opportunities, and the desire for a different outcome. The song begins with a sense of uncertainty and longing as the singer ponders the different paths they could have taken. They question whether the roads they have chosen have brought them back to where they started, unsure if their choices have led to a broken heart. They admit to lacking knowledge and expertise in navigating their lives, suggesting that buying a car and driving under the stars might offer a new perspective and escape from their current situation. They express a feeling of resignation, stating that it couldn't be worse than where they are now because there is nothing left to fear.
The chorus of the song contemplates the idea of whether the scars and hurts endured throughout life make one better off. The imagery of a sunrise overlaid with stars suggests that despite the challenges and missed opportunities, there is still beauty and hope to be found. The lines "Shoulda coulda woulda, but I didn't" convey a sense of regret and the realization that actions were not taken when they should have been. However, the singer acknowledges that dwelling on the past is futile because they cannot go back. Instead, they invite their loved one to take their hand and move forward together, embracing the present and future.
Line by Line Meaning
Which roads lead back where we started
We are unsure of the paths that will bring us back to the beginning
Left might be right might be broken hearted
Choosing a different direction could lead to happiness or heartbreak
We’re navigating by stars we’re not versed in the art
We are making choices based on things we don't fully understand
Maybe we should buy ourselves a car
Perhaps acquiring a vehicle would provide a new sense of freedom
Drive out under the stars
Escape under the night sky
Can’t be worse than here nothing left to fear
Any change would be an improvement as there is no fear of making things worse
Are we better off with all our scars?
Do the wounds we have endured make us stronger?
Like a sunrise overlaid with stars
Our journey is filled with beauty and wonder
Shoulda coulda woulda but I didn't
Regretful thoughts of missed opportunities
But since we can't go backwards
Acknowledging the impossibility of reversing time
Come take my hand let's move forward
Let's progress together, leaving the past behind
Mind keeps drifting back to when we first started
Our thoughts frequently return to the beginning of our journey
Melrose Diner our path was uncharted
Our route was uncertain, like navigating through unfamiliar territory
Coconut French toast
A specific memory of a breakfast dish
Waitress offers a toast
A moment of celebration initiated by the restaurant staff
Memories of you dancing in my direction
Recollections of you gracefully moving towards me
Neath a harvest moon at the reception
Under the enchanting light of a full moon during our wedding celebration
I woulda married you
I regret not having made the decision to marry you
Woulda been the coulda I could do
It would have been the best possible outcome I could have achieved
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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