Meaning of "If I Knew Then" by Lady Antebellum

"If I Knew Then" by Lady Antebellum delves into themes of missed chances, regrets, and the realization of the importance of seizing love when it comes. The lyrics paint a picture of encountering someone significant in the past but failing to realize the potential for love at that moment due to youth, cluelessness, or missed opportunities. The singer reflects on how love can be a rare occurrence that knocks on one's door, brings joy, but also leaves scars. Through the retrospection of past mistakes, the song expresses the longing to have acted differently and embraced love when it was within reach. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the sentiment that if the knowledge gained through experience had been available in the past, decisions regarding love and relationships would have been different. Ultimately, the song serves as a reminder of the value of love and the importance of not taking it for granted, as well as the significance of learning from past experiences to not let love slip away in the future.