Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: hip-hop
Song Meaning of “What Would Have Been? (Feat. Lena Park)” by PSY
Verse 1:
Have I gone too far, too soon?
Was I wrong to trust this fragile dream?
Did I try to take on too much in my life?
Fading hopes of what could have been
This verse is about questioning the decisions the narrator has made in life, and wondering if the dream they had of a better life was doomed to fail. The speaker has gained insight into their own mistakes and regrets how they chased after something that was far-fetched and likely doomed to failure.
Chorus:
What would have been, what could have been
A new tomorrow or nothing at all
When I look back, what can I see?
A million dreams all gone from me
The chorus paints a vivid picture of all that could have been, all the opportunities that have slipped away, and longing for the life they wanted that faded away. The speaker can’t help but reflect on what could have been, and how even with all of their dreams, it was not enough to reach the future they had imagined.
Verse 2:
Time moves on and it turns too soon
Separates us from all our dreams
Is this all it had been destined to become?
Hope half gone, what could have been
In this verse, the speaker has come to accept that their dreams were never meant to come true. Despite all their efforts, time has moved on, and all the dreams they had planned are no longer attainable. They are heartbroken by how their future has been cut short, and can only reflect on what might have been.
Bridge:
What would have been, what could have been
A world of color with a touch of warmth
What would have been, what could have been
Will never be, so I’ll leave it be
The bridge serves to tie together the idea of looking back at what could have been, ultimately realizing that the dream is gone and the vision of the future they wanted won’t be achieved. The speaker expresses a sense of loss, as they understand the impossibility of the situation and make peace with letting go of the dream.