Meaning of "Should've Gone Home" by Måns Zelmerlöw

The lyrics of "Should've Gone Home" delve into the themes of regret and the inability to resist temptation. The narrator confesses to repeatedly deceiving someone they care about, indicating that they have engaged in dishonest behavior before. Describing these actions as "another lie," the narrator acknowledges that the person they are addressing has already experienced their deception too many times. The line "You can see it through my disguise, and I'm caught already" suggests that the facade they present is no longer fooling the person, revealing their true intentions.

The narrator expresses their confusion and lack of understanding as to why they continue to engage in these behaviors, admitting, "I don't know why I do these things, guess I love your jealousy." The raw admission exposes the flaws within the narrator's character and their struggle to resist temptation. They understand that they should have left the situation, but they succumbed to their desires once again, leading to the consequences that now "fire back" at them.

Throughout the song, the narrator emphasizes the difficulty of saying "no" and the longing to go back home, suggesting that returning to a place of familiarity and stability would provide an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. The repetition of the line "How hard can it be to say 'no'?" encapsulates the internal battle the narrator faces, as they are aware of their weaknesses but struggle to exert self-control.

The references to finding someone everywhere only to realize it was the person they already had indicate a sense of irony and the futility of searching for something that was within reach all along. The line "Feels like I've been looking everywhere just to find out that it's you" highlights the narrator's realization that they have been chasing after external gratification instead of appreciating what they have in their current relationship.

In summary, "Should've Gone Home" captures the emotions of regret, temptation, and the struggle to resist destructive behavior. The lyrics delve into the narrator's self-awareness of their flaws, their longing for home as a place of reflection and growth, and the irony of seeking something outside oneself that was present all along.