The narrator reflects on their past relationships, admitting to being mean and cruel, but regretting starting a new love affair with someone who has now left them feeling lonely and wishing they had never fallen in love.

Meaning of "I Should Have Never Started Lovin' You" by The Marshall Tucker Band

The lyrics of "I Should Have Never Started Lovin' You" explore themes of regret, past mistakes, and the consequences of one's actions in relationships. The narrator acknowledges their past behavior of being mean and cruel in previous relationships, which has ultimately led to them feeling lonely and regretful for starting a new love affair with the person in question. The song captures the pain of realizing the mistakes made in love and the hindsight that comes with it. It serves as a reflection on how choices in relationships can impact one's present emotional state and leave them yearning for a different outcome.