[Verse 1]
I wore your name like proof
Too long, too loud
But your cold little games
Tore the seams out loud
And I saw her laugh
By the mango stand
Carolina in gold
With a ringless hand
[Pre-Chorus]
You wanted smoke
I wanted peace
She had that glow
And she had me
Now it hits me clean
Like a train through bone
I should have gone
With the one who felt like home
[Chorus]
I should have chosen Carolina
Chosen Carolina over you
Dominican beauty Carolina
She made the whole room feel brand new
I should have chosen Carolina
Chosen Carolina over you
Carolina, Carolina
You were never half as true
[Verse 2]
You left salt on my tongue
Left dents in my pride
She said, "Baby, slow down"
When I was split inside
White dress on the steps
Bare feet on the tile
She looked right through my wreck
And smiled that smile
[Pre-Chorus]
You wanted war
I wanted grace
She had that fire
In a softer face
Now every wrong turn
Feels sharp and clear
I should have held
What was honest near
[Chorus]
I should have chosen Carolina
Chosen Carolina over you
Dominican beauty Carolina
She made the whole room feel brand new
I should have chosen Carolina
Chosen Carolina over you
Carolina, Carolina
You were never half as true
[Bridge]
[Half-time]
Take my ego
Take my pride
I was blind
I was tongue-tied
If she calls
I would run
Over hurt
Over none
I know better now
What love can do
And it ain't your cuts
It was always you
[Final Chorus]
I should have chosen Carolina
Chosen Carolina over you
Dominican beauty Carolina
She made the whole room feel brand new
I should have chosen Carolina
Chosen Carolina over you
Carolina, Carolina
You were never half as true