The song "All Of This Could Have Been Yours" by Shooter Jennings explores themes of lost opportunities and the consequences of one's actions. The lyrics depict a scenario where the narrator had a cure for someone's disease, but that person decided to throw it away. As a result, they were no longer welcome in their lives. The narrator then embarks on a long journey, facing hardships and feeling isolated without the person they wanted to help. Despite the challenges faced, the narrator finds solace along a crooked road and creates a new home. The lyrics suggest that all of the accomplishments and happiness they found in this new life could have been shared with the person who rejected them. The song also touches upon the destructive nature of the past relationship. Black clouds roll over red doors, symbolizing turmoil and conflict. The narrator feels the weight of the situation, as indicated by the waves being high and their own emotional state. The anger and destruction caused by the crumbling of the person's walls is juxtaposed with the beauty and peace the narrator once felt. The lyrics further delve into the emotions experienced by the narrator. They express feelings of pain, doubt, shame, guilt, denial, fear, and sadness that were inflicted upon them by the person who rejected them. The narrator carries the burden of these emotions, along with the memories of being unable to go home, freezing alone, and the darkness that overshadowed their eyes. The lyrics also mention those who cheated and stole, draining the colors from their soul. The song highlights the wounds caused by the person who left the narrator for dead, both literally and metaphorically. The dreams that turned into nightmares and the silence with deafening stares demonstrate the emotional turmoil inflicted upon them. The ships lost and wrecked in distant shores represent the consequences of the anger and destruction caused by the person who rejected them. The repeated phrases "All of this would have been, all of this could have been yours" emphasize the missed opportunities and the potential for shared happiness and success. The song concludes by noting that all of the things the person might have loved will be carried away, while the narrator is left with pain, doubt, shame, guilt, and all the dark memories and emotions. Overall, "All Of This Could Have Been Yours" conveys a sense of regret, longing, and reflection on the choices made and the paths not taken. It explores the consequences of rejecting someone who had something valuable to offer, and the lasting impact it can have on both parties involved.
