The Raw Beauty of Retrospection: Gone West’s Acoustic "What Could’ve Been"
Despite the band members being in committed relationships at the time, "What Could’ve Been" was written from the perspective of looking back years later on a failed romance. Gone West - What Couldve Been (Acoustic)
The members—, Justin Kawika Young , Jason Reeves , and Nelly Joy —trade verses about a relationship that fell apart through small, avoidable mistakes. By removing the drums and driving studio production, the acoustic arrangement emphasizes the "plaintive" and "crisp" nature of their harmonies. The Story Behind the Song The Raw Beauty of Retrospection: Gone West’s Acoustic
It explores the "lingering regret" of things that could have been done differently—talking softer, kissing harder, or following through on promises. Justin Kawika Young