Tim Abend, Should’ve Been Us | LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶

In the 29^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2023), we highlight the song, “Should’ve Been Us” performed by Tim Abend.  

Be prepared to #SLAY! LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians or allies.  In this column, we provide background and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome while the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 29^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2023), we highlight 🎵 “Should’ve Been Us” performed by 🎙 Tim Abend.

“No fruit is forbidden as long as you keep it hidden.” Ah, forbidden fruit – something desired yet unattainable.  For German singer/songwriter 🎙 Tim Abend, the unattainable – the forbidden fruit – is H-I-M.  “It should’ve been us / Darling, you know that,” he sings, continuing, “No need to prove it / It should have been me.” Ah, we have a case of internalized homophobia and secrecy. The happy ending is not boy ♂ meets boy ♂ as Abend is saddened because the happy, successful relationship that SHOULD’VE been is not.  He’s not his boyfriend or future husband 😢.  The disheartening scenario of 🎵 “Should’ve Been Us” makes this record simultaneously difficult to listen to, particularly if you are a member of the LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 community, and superb.

Tim Abend nails it, plain and simple. He sings authentically and beautifully, truly selling this unfortunate situation.  This, of course, occurs too often.  An out and proud individual falls for someone who isn’t out for whatever reason, and ultimately, ends up following a heteronormative path.  Abend tells his ex, “Nobody sees you the way that I see you / And you know that, yeah you know that.”  It seems like Abend is encouraging his love interest to be brave, take the plunge – step out of the closet.  Clearly perturbed, Tim makes it clear, “Don’t wanna watch you walk down the aisle / Don’t invite me when the day arrives / Don’t wanna see you be the father of a child that’s not mine / Don’t wanna watch you kiss the bride.” The persistence of Abend is admirable, even if it seems like the end of this relationship is a done deal, which is far too bad.  🎵 “Should’ve Been Us” is a reality for far too many – a should’ve been rather than a happy, healthy, loving relationship between two men who love each other.  Don’t let yourself be a should’ve been… allow yourself to live, love, and be happy.

🎙 Tim Abend • 🎵 “Should’ve Been Us” • 🏷 Soir • 🗓 2023

Tim Abend, Should’ve Been Us: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 29 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Soir; Anna Shvets, Monstera, Polina Tankilevitch, RODNAE Productions, Uriel Mont via Pexels; Jim via Pixabay]