Looking Back, I Should Have Been Home More

Richard Swift's song "Looking Back, I Should Have Been Home More" is a poignant reflection on love, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship strained by absence and the longing for connection. The repeated refrain, "Remember when you loved me, babe?" serves as a haunting reminder of a time when love was pure and untainted by the complications of life. The imagery of "broken hearted drummers" and letters sealed with a kiss evokes a sense of nostalgia and lost romance.

The song's narrative is built around the tension between the desire to be with a loved one and the necessity to be away. The lines "Hold on, don't you cry / Maybe I'll be home tonight" capture the hope and uncertainty that come with promises of return. The shift from sealing letters with a kiss to sealing them with a fist symbolizes the growing frustration and emotional turmoil caused by prolonged separation. This transformation highlights the impact of distance on the relationship, turning gentle words into expressions of anger and regret.

Swift's musical style, often characterized by its blend of indie rock and soulful melodies, adds depth to the emotional weight of the lyrics. The repetition of the phrase "Remember when you loved me, babe?" at the end of the song underscores the lingering pain of lost love and the yearning for what once was. The song serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of being present in our relationships and the consequences of taking love for granted.