What Could Have Been (feat. Ray Chen)

Sting's 'What Could Have Been' is a poignant reflection on love lost and the pain of what might have been. The lyrics, delivered with Sting's characteristic emotional depth, speak of a deep betrayal and the subsequent anguish. The song's protagonist feels like a 'monster' created by their former lover, suggesting a transformation that has left them feeling broken and incomplete. The repeated line 'You ripped out all my parts' emphasizes the sense of being torn apart emotionally by the relationship.

The chorus of the song is a powerful expression of longing and regret. The protagonist wishes for their former lover to experience the same pain and loss that they have endured. This desire for the other person to 'hurt' and 'lose' as they have is a raw and honest depiction of the bitterness that can follow a painful breakup. The phrase 'what could have been' is a lament for the potential of the relationship that will never be realized, a common theme in songs about heartbreak.

The song also touches on themes of identity and recognition, with the line 'Why don’t you love who I am?' This suggests a struggle for acceptance and the pain of unrequited love or a love that has changed. The mention of being a 'ghost' and a 'fallen angel' indicates a sense of loss and a fall from grace, which could be interpreted as the emotional state after the end of a significant relationship. Overall, 'What Could Have Been' is a haunting ballad that explores the depths of heartache and the enduring question of what might have been if things had gone differently in love.