I wake up and wonder how everything went wrong
Am I the one to blame?
I gave up and left you for a nowhere-bound train
Now that train has come and gone
I close my eyes and see you lying in my bed
And I’m still dreaming of that day
What could have been love
Should have been the only thing that was ever meant to be
Didn’t know, couldn’t see what was right in front of me
And now that I’m alone all I have is emptiness that comes from being free
What could have been love will never be
An old friend told me that you found somebody new
Oh, you’re finally moving on
You think that I’d be over you after all these years
Yeah, but time has proved me wrong
‘Cause I’m still holdin’ on
What could have been love
Should have been the only thing that was ever meant to be
Didn’t know, couldn’t see what was right in front of me
(What could have been love)
And now that I’m alone all I have is emptiness that comes from being free
What could have been love will never be
We’ve gone our separate ways
Say goodbye to another day
I still wonder where you are
Are you too far from turning back?
You were slipping through my hands and I didn’t understand
What could have been love
Should have been the only thing that was ever meant to be
Didn’t know, couldn’t see what was right in front of me
(What could have been love)
And now that I’m alone all I have is emptiness that comes from being free
What could have been love will never be
What could have been love will never be
What could have been love
What could have been love
What could have been love
Regret and Reflection: The Heart of the Song
“What Could Have Been Love” by Aerosmith is a poignant ballad that explores the themes of regret, lost opportunities, and the lingering ache of love left unfulfilled. The lyrics capture a sense of introspection, with the narrator waking up to the realization that they let something precious slip away. Memories of a past love haunt them, underscoring how the choices we make can lead to enduring loneliness. The song’s narrative is relatable for anyone who has wondered about the road not taken in relationships, making it emotionally impactful and universally resonant.
Moving On and Unanswered Questions
As the song progresses, there’s a bittersweet acknowledgment that life has moved forward for both parties. The pain of seeing an ex with someone new is juxtaposed with the narrator’s inability to let go, highlighting the internal struggle between acceptance and hope. This longing is further amplified by unanswered questions about what might have been if things had worked out differently.
Song Credits
- Artist: Aerosmith
- Songwriters: Steven Tyler, Marti Frederiksen, Russ Irwin
- Release Year: 2012
- Label: Columbia Records