Meaning of "It Should've Been You" by Teddy Pendergrass

The lyrics of "It Should've Been You" delve into the deep emotions and regrets that come with the end of a relationship. The narrator dreams of their lost love, and the clarity of their face in the dream emphasizes how much they still long for that person. The memories of the good times they shared evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, highlighting the pain they feel after the breakup. They express their belief that their love could have lasted forever, but now it feels like nothing more than a distant memory.

The narrator takes responsibility for their own faults, refusing to place blame or point fingers at their ex-partner. They emphasize their desire for happiness and fulfillment in life, suggesting that their love was not enough to sustain them on its own. This displays a sense of maturity and self-awareness, as they recognize that a relationship cannot be the sole source of happiness.

Despite moving on and finding new partners, the narrator realizes that nobody can replace the one they lost. The depth of their emotions is evident as they plead for their ex-partner to come back and give their love another chance. They recognize the missed opportunities and the potential their relationship had, but their eyes were closed to it at the time.

The lyrics overall explore themes of lost love, regret, and the realization of the value of a past relationship. It reflects on the common sentiment of "you don't know what you have until it's gone." It serves as a plea for a second chance and the desire to start over with the person they still love.