Meaning of "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" by Beverley Knight

"Shoulda Woulda Coulda" delves into the theme of regret and the consequences of missed opportunities in a relationship. The lyrics depict a scenario where the narrator and their partner were once seen as a perfect match, like two sides of the same coin. They believed their love could overcome any challenges. However, the narrator's ambition and unwillingness to compromise led to a rift between them. The choice to prioritize personal dreams over the relationship ultimately caused them to grow apart.

The lyrics highlight the bittersweet nature of success and how it can sometimes come at the expense of love and emotional fulfillment. The narrator acknowledges that their drive for success and their inability to prioritize their relationship led to missed moments and regrets. They long for the chance to have done more, to have put more effort into the relationship, but now they are out of time. The repetition of "Shoulda woulda coulda" emphasizes the weight of their regrets and the inability to change the past.

The song also touches on the idea that everyone faces ups and downs in life, and that sacrifices must be made to pursue personal goals. The narrator shares that they have achieved a successful life that others dream about, but it came at the cost of setting aside love. They convey the message that in order to hold onto something, something else must be let go. This suggests that the pursuit of personal ambition often comes at the sacrifice of relationships and emotional connections.

Overall, "Shoulda Woulda Coulda" highlights the theme of regret and missed opportunities in a relationship due to personal ambition and a lack of compromise. It explores the consequences of prioritizing personal goals over emotional fulfillment and reflects on the weight of regrets when it's too late to change the past.