Meaning of And I should've been there, in the back of your mind

In Taylor Swift's song "Should’ve Said No," the lyrics delve into themes of betrayal, regret, and the consequences of not speaking up. The line "And I should've been there, in the back of your mind" develops these themes further and serves as a powerful reflection of the narrator's feelings and desires.At its core, this line represents the longing for a presence in someone else's thoughts and the disappointment of realizing that they were not a priority. It highlights the narrator's desire to have been constantly on their partner's mind, as a constant reminder of their love and commitment. The use of the phrase "in the back of your mind" suggests a hidden place, a secret compartment reserved for special thoughts and cherished memories. It signifies the desire for a deep connection where the narrator remains present even when physically apart.The line also reveals a sense of regret and self-doubt. The use of "should've" implies a missed opportunity, a moment when the narrator's presence could have made a difference. It suggests that had they been constantly on their partner's mind, perhaps the betrayal could have been avoided. The narrator questions themselves, wondering why they weren't a significant thought for their partner and why they didn't assert their presence more firmly.Furthermore, the line implies a feeling of being overlooked and taken for granted. The narrator feels as though they were not given the attention and importance they deserved in the relationship. They realize that they should have been on their partner's mind, as a constant reminder of their love and loyalty. The absence of this presence leaves the narrator feeling unappreciated, leading to a sense of betrayal and disappointment.Overall, this line highlights the narrator's longing for a deeper connection and their realization that their partner's thoughts were occupied elsewhere, contributing to the eventual breakdown of the relationship. It captures the themes of regret, betrayal, and the consequences of not speaking up, ultimately emphasizing the importance of communication and maintaining a strong presence within a relationship.