John Anderson – Years

About the song

In the realm of country music, few artists have captured the essence of time’s passage and its profound impact on the human spirit quite like John Anderson. With his distinctively raspy vocals and introspective songwriting, Anderson has crafted a legacy of poignant ballads that resonate deeply with listeners. Among his many gems, “Years” stands as a particularly evocative masterpiece, a testament to the power of music to transport us through the corridors of memory and emotion.

Released in 2020 as part of Anderson’s critically acclaimed album of the same name, “Years” is a contemplative exploration of life’s fleeting nature. Penned by Anderson himself alongside Dan Auerbach and Pat McLaughlin, the song’s lyrics paint vivid vignettes of moments both joyous and sorrowful, weaving a tapestry of experiences that define the human journey.

From the opening lines, “I’ve been around for a long, long time / Seen a lot of things come and go,” Anderson establishes a tone of seasoned reflection, his voice imbued with the wisdom of years lived and lessons learned. The verses that follow unfold like a personal memoir, chronicling the highs and lows of life’s rollercoaster ride – the thrill of first love, the ache of loss, the quiet contentment of everyday moments.

The chorus serves as a poignant refrain, a reminder of time’s relentless march forward: “Years, they come and go / Like the seasons, they change and grow / We’re all just passing through / These years, they’re all we know.” Anderson’s delivery is infused with a gentle melancholy, his voice resonating with the bittersweet realization that time is both a precious gift and an inexorable force.

“Years” is not merely a song about the passage of time; it is a profound meditation on the human experience, capturing the essence of love, loss, joy, and sorrow that define our lives. Anderson’s masterful storytelling and heartfelt delivery elevate the song to an anthem of resilience and acceptance, reminding us to cherish the moments we have and embrace the inevitable changes that time brings.

With its timeless message and enduring melody, “Years” has cemented its place as a modern classic of country music. It is a song that speaks to the heart, offering solace and understanding to those who have traveled life’s long road. As the final notes fade, Anderson’s voice lingers in the air, a gentle reminder to savor the precious moments that make up our lives.

Video

Lyrics

Years
Everybody knows
You gotta let ’em go
And they kinda roll by
Like tears
Just a measure of time
Playin’ with your mind
Passin’ you by

Those years
Look around
Up and down
They’re nowhere to be found
Like the wind
Old friends
They come and go again

Don’t look back in sorrow
Just hope you see tomorrow

Those years
Everybody knows
You gotta let ’em go
And they kinda roll by
Like tears
Just a measure of time
Playin’ with your mind
Passin’ you by
Those years

You and me
Came to be
We raised a family
When we’re gone
They live on
To see what we won’t see

Don’t look back in sorrow
The children have tomorrow

Those years
Everybody knows
You gotta let ’em go
And they kinda roll by
Like tears
Just a measure of time
Playin’ with your mind
Passin’ you by
Those years
Everybody knows
You gotta let ’em go
And they kinda roll by
Like tears
Just a measure of time
Playin’ with your mind
Passin’ you by
Those years
Oh…