From the recording Shoulda Coulda Woulda Blues
A defiant blues anthem of resilience, Shoulda Coulda Woulda Blues delivers a knockout punch to regret and cynicism, championing those who dare to step into the ring.
Lyrics
Shoulda-Coulda-Woulda Blues
by Kem Anderson
How's it going, Mr. "has been"
Pretty good, Mr. "never was"
(He Said) I read about your latest disaster
Heard about your lost-cause
It might look that way to you
From here things look okay
I work hard, come out swinging
The only easy day was yesterday
Chorus 1
Even if it all goes south
And it’s nothing but bad news
At least I won't be moaning, crying or a groaning
The shoulda-coulda-woulda, blues.
Life is hard, and even when it's not
The good things are never free.
If you live without discipline
You'll die without dignity.
There’s no shame in falling down
Staying down is the only sin.
Pick yourself up, wipe the blood off your face,
Climb back in the ring again.
Chorus 2
Let em’ laugh, mock, and jeer
Those timid fools don't have a clue.
That they'll be moaning, crying, and groaning
The shoulda-coulda-woulda blues.
Bridge
The critics of the world are useless
They like to shame and preach.
Those who can, make big things happen.
Those who can't, will never reach.
If you believe that "life is attitude"
Persist, and make work your friend
Spend yourself in a worthy cause
You'll triumph in the end.
Chorus 3
If you fail while daring greatly
I hope you make the evening news
At least you won't be moaning, crying or groaning,
The shoulda-coulda-woulda, blues
Coda:
How's it going, Mr. "has been"
Pretty good, Mr. "never was"