Meaning of "That Could Still Be Us" by Keith Urban

In "That Could Still Be Us," Keith Urban explores the feelings of nostalgia, longing, and regret that accompany the end of a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning for what could have been, highlighting the narrator's desire to rekindle the past and the emotions that still linger. The repetition of the phrase "That could still be us" throughout the song serves as a reminder of the missed opportunities and the potential for a different outcome had circumstances been different.

The first verse establishes the internal struggle of the narrator, who is wide awake and staring at their phone, waiting for a message that may never come. The lines "We don't have to be all alone" and "We don't have to feel this hurt" reveal the narrator's hope and longing for their past partner to reach out and rekindle their connection. The nostalgia intensifies in the chorus as the narrator recalls the nights in the driveway and the backyard, feeling like the only ones left on earth. These memories hold a profound significance to the narrator, who questions their sanity for still clinging onto the possibility of a reunion.

The second verse deepens the emotional turmoil, with the narrator describing a trip to the riverbank and seeing their former partner's face reflected in the water. The small town setting and the mention of summer wind evoke a sense of innocence and simplicity, reminding the narrator of the mistakes they made and the missed chances for happiness. The repetition of the phrase "That could still be us" reinforces the unfulfilled desires and the constant presence of their past partner in the narrator's thoughts.

The bridge introduces a sense of regret and the realization that things will never be the same. The references to tail lights fading in the dark and going by their former partner's location imply missed opportunities to reconcile and the inability to turn back time. The line "What woulda been, What shoulda been, What was" encapsulates the narrator's longing for a different outcome and the pain of accepting the reality of the present.

Overall, "That Could Still Be Us" explores the universal human experience of yearning for what could have been in past relationships. The lyrics capture the complex emotions of nostalgia, longing, regret, and the persistent hope for second chances. It serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of love and the desire to rewrite the past.