Citizen Way - Should've Been Me Lyrics

Should've Been Me

Should've Been Me Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Should've Been Me" by Citizen Way is a powerful reflection on the core Christian concept of substitutionary atonement. The song opens by listing various outward religious activities and markers of a seemingly good life – reading scripture, watching religious media, giving to charity, tithing. The speaker acknowledges performing these actions but immediately contrasts them with a tendency to "easily forget" a profound truth. There's a sense that despite engaging in these good practices, something fundamental has been overlooked or not fully internalized until perhaps a moment of deeper realization, expressed in the line, "All these years never heard it like this." This sets up the central theme of recognizing one's own unworthiness in light of Christ's sacrifice.

The chorus delivers the song's main message with stark clarity. The repetition of "It should've been me," and "It should've been us," drives home the conviction that humanity, deserving of punishment for sin, was the rightful candidate for crucifixion. The "shame" and "scars" are identified as belonging to the speaker and "us," which should have resulted in permanent "stains that were never washed." This vividly portrays the consequence of sin as something inherently defiling and irreparable by human effort. The questions "Why do I hide? Why do you try?" might reflect the speaker's struggle with fully embracing the grace offered, perhaps hinting at a continued human tendency towards self-reliance or doubt, contrasted with God's persistent love and effort ("Over and over and over again"). The overwhelming response to this realization is deep gratitude, leading to the repeated exclamation, "thank God for the should've been," acknowledging that because Christ *was* there, the speaker *wasn't*.

The second verse expands on the idea of a blessed life, listing tangible things like a good life, a loving spouse, beautiful children, and friends. These are presented as reasons for thankfulness. However, the speaker again confronts the ease with which they forget the ultimate reason for these blessings and for their own transformed state: "That you died for all of this." This highlights the connection between Christ's sacrifice and not just salvation from sin, but also the foundation upon which a life of blessing and gratitude is built for the believer. It underscores that even in moments of earthly contentment, the cross is the source of all good things, spiritual and often temporal.

The bridge brings the message to a personal and transformative conclusion. The speaker directly addresses God, expressing gratitude for the personal impact of the sacrifice – a changed heart and a soul that has been raised. This is the fruit of the substitution; Christ taking the speaker's place results in internal renewal and spiritual life. The lyrics emphasize that this transformation is directly attributable to God's action in stepping in where the speaker "should've been," reinforcing the theme of grace and undeserved favor. The song video was released on July 27, 2012, visually supporting these themes for the listener.

The song's message resonates strongly with several biblical truths. The idea that humanity deserves punishment for sin, and that Christ took that punishment in our place, is central to the doctrine of atonement (Isaiah 53:5-6, 1 Peter 2:24). The lyrics mentioning shame, scars, and stains that "should've been" permanent but were washed away reflect the cleansing power of Christ's blood (1 John 1:7, Titus 3:5). The concept of "taking my place" is a clear reference to substitution (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:8). The result of this sacrifice – a changed heart and raised soul – speaks to spiritual rebirth and new life in Christ, which is a gift received through grace, not earned by good deeds or a seemingly good life. The song serves as an inspirational reminder that all blessings and spiritual standing come from Christ's sacrifice, fostering a spirit of profound and humble thankfulness for God's unmerited grace.