[Intro: fingerpicked acoustic guitar] (Oh…) Yeah… I keep replaying everything… And if I could go back… I'd do it differently. [Verse 1] I remember all the times you needed me, And I wasn't there the way I should've been. You were reaching for my heart, I was hiding behind my pride, Giving you another reason Every time you asked me why. I said, “I'm busy,” I said, “Maybe tomorrow,” Made excuses when you needed love. You gave me patience, You gave me chances, And somehow I still wasn't giving enough. [Pre-Chorus: soft percussion enters] Now I'm sitting here alone, With your memories on my phone, And every picture tells me What I already know… I had something beautiful, And I didn't hold it close. [Chorus: guitar opens + percussion] I should've loved you better, Should've held you when you cried. Should've told you you were beautiful Instead of leaving words inside. I should've made more time for you, Should've put my pride aside. You were asking for my heart, And I kept giving you excuses every time. Now you're gone… And I finally understand. I was holding your heart But I never held your hand enough. (I should've loved you better…) [Verse 2: fuller guitar + bass] You never asked for diamonds, Never needed anything extreme. You just wanted little moments, Wanted to know what you meant to me. And I thought saying “I love you” Every now and then was enough. Didn't realize affection Was the language of your love. You waited for my messages, I made you wait too long. You wanted reassurance, I kept telling you, “Nothing's wrong.” But something was wrong… I just didn't see it then. I was losing my forever While I was calling you my friend. [Pre-Chorus: strings begin rising] Now I'm sitting here alone, And the silence feels like stone. All the love you gave to me Is everything I'm missing now. I had something beautiful, And I didn't hold it close. [Chorus: bigger] I should've loved you better, Should've held you when you cried. Should've told you you were beautiful Instead of leaving words inside. I should've made more time for you, Should've put my pride aside. You were asking for my heart, And I kept giving you excuses every time. Now you're gone… And I finally understand. I was holding your heart But I never held your hand enough. (Oh, I know…) (I know now…) [Bridge: drums drop, guitar + strings] If I could have one more night, I'd listen instead of talking. I'd stay instead of leaving, I'd hold you instead of stalling. No more “I'm tired,” No more “Maybe later,” No more promises That I never turned into action. I can't change what I did, I can't rewrite yesterday. But if loving you was a lesson, Then I'll carry it all the way. (I'm sorry…) For every time you felt alone While you were standing next to me. [Final Chorus: emotional peak] I should've loved you better, Should've held you through the night. Should've kissed you without needing A reason or the perfect time. I should've made more time for you, Should've never made you doubt. You were giving me your everything, And I was slowly wearing you out. Now you're gone… And I finally understand. Sometimes you lose the person you love Before you realize what you had. (Oh…) I hope somebody loves you better… I hope somebody gives you Everything I couldn't give. [Outro: guitar alone] And if you ever think of me… I hope you don't remember all my excuses. Remember that I loved you… Even if I didn't know How to show it. (I should've loved you better…) Yeah… I should've.
