Meaning of "It Could Have Been You" by Journey

The lyrics of "It Could Have Been You" delve into themes of missed opportunities, longing, and the pain of unrequited love. The song portrays a sense of nostalgia as the narrator reflects on a past relationship that was close but ultimately didn't work out. The opening lines, "We were so close yet so far away, I'd reach out, you'd be gone," highlight the emotional distance between the narrator and their love interest. There is a sense of frustration and yearning as the narrator reminisces about the moments that still take their breath away. The line "There's so much more to life than loving you, you don't need me, no..." reflects a realization that life goes on and there are other things worth living for beyond a failed romance.

The chorus emphasizes the longing and the unanswered questions that linger in the narrator's mind. The repetition of "It could have been you" expresses the regret and the constant wondering about what could have been if things had worked out differently. The lyrics also touch on the passage of time and the inability to change the past. The line "Time washes over, memories, I can't look back no more" suggests a sense of acceptance and a desire to move forward, even while still carrying the emotional weight of the lost love.

The mention of "someone else for you to hold again" implies that the love interest has moved on and found happiness with someone new. This adds a layer of bittersweetness to the lyrics, as the narrator acknowledges that the missed opportunity was not solely their loss, but also the love interest's gain.

Overall, "It Could Have Been You" captures the feelings of longing, regret, and nostalgia that arise from a love that didn't work out. It explores the timeless theme of wondering what could have been, and the pain of realizing that the opportunity has passed.