Meaning of "Should've Known Better" by Richard Marx

The lyrics of "Should've Known Better" by Richard Marx explore the aftermath of a failed relationship and the regrets that accompany it. The protagonist is experiencing a sleepless night, haunted by thoughts of their lost love. They can't explain why the relationship ended and someone even claims to have heard them calling out their ex's name. The radio serves as a constant reminder, replaying memories of the past. The protagonist acknowledges that the relationship is over, but they can't comprehend the reasons behind its demise. They express regret for having fallen in love in the first place, realizing that love has now become a faded memory. The pain they feel is overwhelming, turning them into a prisoner of their own emotions. Despite the passage of time, the protagonist's heart still aches for their former lover.

The lyrics also touch on the protagonist's willingness to take risks and make promises in the relationship. They held onto the hope that their partner would reciprocate by staying committed. However, looking back, the protagonist questions their own actions and wonders if they did something wrong. This self-doubt and the inability to pinpoint the cause of the breakup worsens their pain. The protagonist gave their all to the relationship, offering their body and soul, without expecting that they would lose control. They took a backseat and let their partner lead, but now they question if the lies they were told were true. The distance from their ex-lover only intensifies their suffering, as time apart slowly drives them insane.

Overall, "Should've Known Better" explores the theme of regret and the pain of a lost love. The lyrics reflect on the protagonist's failure to see the warning signs and their subsequent self-blame. Despite their regrets, their heart still longs for their former partner, indicating the lasting impact of the relationship. In essence, the song captures the universal experience of heartbreak and the difficulty of letting go.