Meaning of "You Could Have Been a Lady" by April Wine

The meaning behind the lyrics of "You Could Have Been a Lady" is one of reflection and longing for what could have been. The narrator is looking back on a missed opportunity with regret and contemplating how different things could have been if the person they are addressing had made different choices. The repeated refrain of "could have been all right, could have been here tonight, could have been sweet as wine, could have been a lady" highlights the sense of lost potential and the idea that the person could have been treated with love and respect.

The lyrics also hint at a sense of disillusionment and sadness. The line "When you awake, you find them on the bed lyin' beside you" suggests a lack of genuine connection and a string of casual encounters. This is further emphasized by the line "It's a shame, the fate of the game, the way it delights you," implying that the person has become accustomed to and perhaps even enjoys the empty and fleeting nature of these encounters. The narrator, however, sees the person's potential for more, describing them as a "good girl" and expressing their disappointment that the person doesn't recognize their true worth.

Overall, "You Could Have Been a Lady" explores themes of lost opportunities, longing, and the consequences of one's choices. It paints a picture of what could have been a meaningful and fulfilling relationship, but instead ended up as a series of empty encounters. The lyrics convey a mixture of regret and frustration, as the narrator reflects on the person's path and the missed chance for something more.