Movies
I could have had class. I could have been a contender.
— Terry Malloy ‧ On the Waterfront
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
A wistful lament about a path not taken. The speaker looks back at what might have been, claiming they had the potential for dignity and even a shot at greatness. It's regret in short, plain words, made more poignant by the repeated could have.
Context reviewed