Would've, Could've, Should've

Taylor Swift's 'Would've, Could've, Should've' is a poignant reflection on past experiences and the lingering impact of regret. The song delves into the emotional turmoil of looking back on a relationship that has left a deep and possibly damaging mark on the singer's life. Swift is known for her storytelling ability, often weaving personal experiences into her lyrics, and this song is no exception. It's a raw and vulnerable narrative that explores the consequences of choices made in youth and the longing for innocence lost.

The lyrics suggest a relationship that began when Swift was nineteen, a time when she was impressionable and perhaps naive. The repeated line 'I damn sure never would've danced with the devil at nineteen' implies a regrettable encounter that she now views as a mistake. The metaphor of dancing with the devil represents a dangerous liaison, one that she entered into without fully understanding the consequences. The song's chorus, with its haunting repetition of 'would've, could've, should've,' underscores the theme of hindsight and the desire to have acted differently. The imagery of 'stained glass windows in my mind' and the 'tomb won't close' evokes a sense of something beautiful yet broken, a past that cannot be buried or forgotten.

Swift's use of religious language, such as 'crisis of my faith' and 'God rest my soul,' adds a layer of gravity to the song, suggesting that the relationship challenged her core beliefs and sense of self. The line 'Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first' is a powerful plea for the return of her innocence and the person she was before the relationship changed her. The song resonates with anyone who has ever wished to undo a part of their past, to reclaim a piece of themselves that feels lost. 'Would've, Could've, Should've' is a testament to the enduring nature of regret and the way our experiences shape who we become.