"Somebody Should Have Told Her" is a song by John Cale, and its lyrics tell a story about a woman who meets a tragic end. The meaning of the song revolves around regret and missed opportunities. The song starts by describing how it was easy to identify the woman's body when she was found after being missing. The narrator expresses their reluctance to admit that she was a good friend of theirs, someone they will always remember. It is then revealed that the woman had called up the chief of police, leading the narrator to go downtown to the district attorney's office. The reason for this visit remains unclear, but it suggests a potential connection between the narrator and the investigation into her death. Next, the narrator reflects on the fact that someone might have told the woman about their mental state, that they were on the verge of losing their mind. This implies that their personal struggles may have affected their relationship with her. As the evidence is collected, her address book is discovered, and the dates she made are noted. The narrator regrets not being able to communicate with her, even if they had tried their hardest. It is also mentioned that they turned up at a cold room in the hospital during fall, possibly indicating their attempt to see her before her death. The song then repeats the lines about someone potentially warning her or telling her about the narrator's mental state or state of mind. There is a sense of blame, as the narrator believes that if someone had informed her, she might not have wasted her time or wasted the narrator's time. Overall, "Somebody Should Have Told Her" tells a story of missed opportunities for communication and understanding. The narrator regrets not being able to make the woman aware of their struggles and wishes someone had warned or told her about it. It highlights the importance of open communication and the potential consequences of not addressing underlying issues in relationships.
