Citizen Way, “Should’ve Been Me”

Contemporary Christian pop-rock band Citizen Way has released Should’ve Been Me, its new single, to Christian AC, CHR, and Inspo, simultaneously. Not too many songs can claim of having that kind of reach – most artists would be lucky to have a song played at any one of these genres, but Citizen Way sounds like a particularly special group.

Citizen Way, composed of brothers Josh and Ben Calhoun and brothers David and Ben Blascoe – two sets of brothers! – is “committed to reminding believers about their identity in Christ through their tight sound, incisive lyrics, and vision for ministry.”

Should’ve Been Me was written by Citizen Way member Ben, who says the song was “one of those songs that was already written” before he wrote it, and says it is a reminder of what the Lord has accomplished and what He is doing in all of His children, whether we recognize it or not.”

Song-wise, I appreciate Should’ve Been Me for a variety of reasons. First, its melody is instantly singable. The Citizen Way Should’ve Been Me video I’ve linked to below is a live performance of the song, an acoustic take on it, and it’s just lovely. Second, I love the Citizen Way’s Should’ve Been Me lyrics. It’s so honest and open, I feel many people will be able to relate to it. Finally, I love the harmonies! (They say these kinds of harmonies can only come from brothers, and well, we’ve got two sets of brothers here, so well, you do the math.) Altogether, a fine single from a band that shows a lot of promise.

SHOULD’VE BEEN ME Lyrics
Citizen Way

I’ve read the stories
I’ve seen the movies
I get charity
These I remember
But I so easily forget
All these years never had it like this

Should’ve been me
Should’ve been us
Should’ve been hanging on the cross
All of this shame
All of these scars
Should’ve been stains that were never washed
Why do I have
Why do I try over and over again
Leaves me saying “Just thank God”
Leaves me saying “Just thank God”
Should’ve been me

I live a good life
I love a great wife
Our kids are beautiful
We got friends
If I’m so thankful
Why do I easily forget
Each time for all of them

Should’ve been me
Should’ve been us
Should’ve been hanging on the cross
All of this shame
All of these scars
Should’ve been stains that were never washed
Why do I have
Why do I try over and over again
Leaves me saying “Just thank God”

For this heart you changed
Soul you raised my God
Taking my place
Yeah yeah

Should’ve been me
Should’ve been us
Should’ve been hanging on the cross
All of this shame
All of these scars
Should’ve been stains that were never washed
Should’ve been me
Should’ve been us
Should’ve been hanging on the cross
All of this shame
All of these scars
Should’ve been stains that were never washed
Why do I have
Why do I try over and over again
Leaves me saying “Just thank God”
Leaves me saying “Just thank God”
For it should’ve been me