Meaning of "It Should Have Been Me" by Carly Simon

"It Should Have Been Me" explores themes of regret, lost opportunities, and the longing for a past love that should have been held onto. The lyrics convey a sense of wistfulness and yearning for a love that was not properly appreciated or fought for. The speaker reflects on the pain of seeing their former partner with someone else, realizing too late that they should have been the one still in that role. The song captures the weight of missed chances and the difficulty of moving on from a love that was truly special. There is a sense of acceptance mixed with sorrow as the speaker navigates feelings of loneliness and the struggle to find closure. Ultimately, the lyrics reflect the universal experience of looking back on a relationship with a mix of fondness and regret, wondering what could have been if different choices were made.