Could've Been You

1992 single by Cher

"Could've Been You" is a song originally performed by American rock singer Bob Halligan and later popularized by American singer actress Cher. The song was written by Halligan and Arnie Roman for Halligan's 1991 album, Window in the Wall. Cher's cover version was produced by Peter Asher and released exclusively for the European market in early 1992 as the fifth single from Cher's 21st studio album, Love Hurts. Lyrically, "Could've Been You" is a message from the song's protagonist to his or her ex. Cher's version of "Could've Been You" received positive reviews from critics and peaked at number thirty one on the UK Singles Chart. Cher promoted the song through appearances at Top of the Pops and Aspel and Company.

In 1991, Bob Halligan released his album Window in the Wall under Atco Records. The only single released from the album was its lead track, "Could've Been You", which Halligan had co written with Arnie Roman. According to Halligan, Atco Records had been going through a "political upheaval" that year and his record "was one of several recordings that was allowed to slip gently into the night". The B side of the first UK 7 inch single release was "One Small Step", a duet with American singer songwriter Richard Page, while the B side of the second UK 7 inch single was "Love and Understanding". The whole photo was later reused for the cover of the Love Hurts tourbook. The UK 12 inch single was the last released; its cover has a transparent vinyl and shows Cher in a long, smooth black wig. In 1993, "Could've Been You" was rereleased as the B side of Cher's "Whenever You're Near" UK 7 inch single. six days before the beginning of her first European tour, the Love Hurts Tour in Berlin, Germany. For the performance Cher wore a curly red wig and a suit with the jacket open to show a leather bra. David Wild of the Guilford County, North Carolina News & Record called "Love and Understanding", "Save Up All Your Tears" and "Could've Been You" "strong tracks" that "show that she is still an effective pop singer". The review of the Worcester, Massachusetts Telegram & Gazette newspaper noted "Cher attempts to display her sexual prowess on the song, a great vehicle for her, an 'in your face' song directed to a former lover".