Shouldn't Be

Luke Chiang's song "Shouldn't Be" delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the pain of being in a one-sided relationship. The lyrics express a deep sense of frustration and resignation, as the narrator grapples with the realization that their partner's words and actions don't align. The repeated lines, "I'm already numb to it" and "I'm already used to it," highlight the emotional exhaustion and desensitization that come from being repeatedly hurt and disappointed.

The song's chorus, "Keepin' you close shouldn't be hard, if you were honest when you said you missed me," underscores the central theme of dishonesty and betrayal. The narrator feels manipulated and played with, as their partner's insincere expressions of affection have led them to believe in a false sense of connection. This emotional manipulation is further emphasized by the lines, "You've played with my pride, making me feel like we had something real," which reveal the deep impact of the partner's deceit on the narrator's self-esteem and sense of reality.

Chiang's poignant lyrics also touch on the difficulty of letting go and the internal conflict between love and resentment. The line, "It's easier hating you than missing you," encapsulates the struggle of moving on from someone who has caused so much pain. Despite the hurt, the narrator still yearns for genuine connection, as evidenced by the plea, "This is the last time I'll ask you to listen." The song ultimately portrays the heart-wrenching experience of loving someone who doesn't reciprocate those feelings, and the emotional toll it takes on one's sense of self-worth and trust.