Meaning and Lyrics of I Should Have Known It by Chris Stapleton

“I Should Have Known It” by Chris Stapleton is a country-blues rock song that reflects on a betrayed trust and the realization of being deceived in a relationship. The song captures feelings of regret, disappointment, and a sense of finality.

In the first verse, the singer admits to himself that he should have seen the signs of a dysfunctional relationship earlier. The lyrics convey a sense of being treated poorly and misled, with promises turning out to be empty and deceptive. The repetition of “I shoulda known it” emphasizes the hindsight realization of the situation and the inevitability of being let down by the other person.

The chorus reinforces the perspective of acceptance and closure, where the singer acknowledges that it’s now over and asserts that it will be the last time he allows himself to be hurt by the same person. This part serves as a declaration of setting boundaries and moving on from the hurtful experience.

In the second verse, the singer reflects on the betrayal that was evident in hindsight, highlighting the feeling of being deceived and manipulated. The imagery of being sold down the river and left for dead symbolizes the emotional turmoil caused by the actions of the other person. The line “putting ideas in another man’s head” suggests that the betrayal extended beyond just the singer, adding layers to the complexity of the situation.

The bridge conveys a sense of resentment and resignation, thanking the other person sarcastically for their betrayal and expressing a willingness to part with whatever remains of the relationship. This part encapsulates a mix of bitterness and acceptance of the situation.

The final chorus reiterates the theme of closure and self-preservation, emphasizing that the singer is now firm in not allowing himself to be hurt again. The repetition of “that’s the last time you’re gonna hurt me” shows a resolve to move on and protect himself from further pain.

The outro concludes the song with a final affirmation of breaking free from the toxic cycle of hurt and betrayal, signaling the end of the relationship and a new beginning for the singer.

Overall, “I Should Have Known It” captures the emotional journey of recognizing and coming to terms with a toxic relationship, ultimately finding strength in setting boundaries and choosing to prioritize self-healing and growth.