“Should’ve Been There” by Marsicans carries strong underpinnings of regret, longing and self-admonishment. The song explores a narrative where the protagonist experiences a profound sense of guilt for not being present in important moments, creating an aura of melancholic introspection.
The protagonist seems to be grappling with the consequences of repeat absence, indicated by being away ‘for the 1000th time’. Instead of cherishing joyful moments, they find themselves disconnected, much like a mismatched shoe on a contrasting weather day. This disparity almost recognizes the realization that their actions are out of sync with the emotional needs of the moment, further accentuating their feelings of regret and distancing themselves from joyful experiences and warmth of connection.
The song subtly implies the protagonist’s longing for companionship during pivotal moments, such as New Year’s Eve and birthdays, where people usually gather to celebrate. Their solitude, however, serves as a reminder of their failures – a stark contrast to the generally festive mood during these occasions. This further elevates the feeling of regret and feeds into the idea of missed opportunities, missed connections, and mishandled relationships.
The recurring theme ‘should have been there’ bespeaks of regret and guilt, punctuating the narrative with the protagonist’s harsh criticism of their own decisions. Every occurrence serves as a self-reprimand for their absence, reinforcing the remorse that is evident throughout the song. Additionally, it indicates the protagonist’s yearning to make amends, only to be belittled by the fact that the moments passed without their presence, hence, are eternally lost.
This poignant introspection cautions listeners of the perils associated with neglecting the people and moments that mean the most to us. Ultimately, the song captures and conveys an impactful message about the importance of being present and valuing time, especially bearing the regret that comes along with missed opportunities.