Meaning of "Should've Been Us" by Tori Kelly

The lyrics of "Should've Been Us" by Tori Kelly explore the lingering emotions and longing for a past relationship that could have been more. The narrator describes walking around with their head down and feeling the weight of their emotions. Despite being in a crowded place, their mind is solely focused on the person they used to be with. The mention of high heels emphasizes the narrator's vulnerability, as they can't hide their pain.

The lyrics also touch on the frustration the narrator feels as they think about what could have been different. They mention the possibility of missing out on something special and reflect on the intense connection they had with this person. The repetition of "it could've been" expresses their longing for the relationship to have turned out differently.

The chorus, "It should've been us," encapsulates the central theme of the song. The narrator believes that their relationship should have been a passionate fire, the perfect storm of love. They express the regret of not knowing for sure what could have happened between them. The lyrics reveal that the relationship was intense and possibly tumultuous, as they were "crazy but amazing." Despite the ups and downs, the narrator still harbors feelings for this person, as they mention having a "little flame" for them.

The lyrics also highlight the back-and-forth nature of the relationship, comparing it to a tug of war. The narrator questions the purpose of the emotional struggle and contemplates whether they want the relationship back. They admit that even though the person drove them mad, they still think about them and pretend it's them when they close their eyes.

Overall, "Should've Been Us" portrays the complex emotions of longing, regret, and the bittersweet memories of an intense relationship that didn't work out as hoped. It explores the idea of missed opportunities and the lingering feelings that can remain even after a breakup.