Score

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with past regrets and a present desire for redemption. The opening lines reveal a sense of disorientation, questioning how a clear future devolved into a present state of confusion and shame. This initial confusion stems from actions taken with the intention of feeling good, which ultimately led to regret. The narrator acknowledges a moral ambiguity, admitting, "Now I don't know what's right / Cause I only feel ashamed." The core tension lies between the narrator's past failings and a desperate need to rectify them. They express a proactive stance, stating, "I'll do what I got to do / 'Cause I'm not one to sit and wait." This urgency is fueled by the realization that time is fleeting and that the object of their affection is still desired, despite past mistakes. The repeated phrase, "Everyone lies, it's true / But I want you and there's no debate," highlights a commitment to honesty and a singular focus on this person. The hook, "Shoulda loved you better / Shoulda loved you more / But who's keeping' score," is the lyrical linchpin. It’s a confession of inadequacy in a past relationship, juxtaposed with a dismissive question that suggests a desire to move past the accounting of blame. This implies a hope that the past can be overlooked or that the current efforts will outweigh the previous shortcomings. The repeated "Apologize a million times" in the outro underscores the depth of this regret and the narrator's earnest, albeit perhaps overwhelming, attempt at making amends.