Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.
While Blues Traveler is best known among fans for their improvisational live shows, the general public is most familiar with the group from their Top 40 singles "Run-Around" and "Hook". They gained mainstream popularity after their fourth studio album four, released in 1994. Sheehan's death and Popper's struggle with obesity put a damper on the group's success, and A&M dropped the band in 2002.
100 Years
Blues Traveler Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I just got the feeling I can do no wrong
I've got a long way to walk
Can't afford my next meal
I tell a few lies but my hunger is real
And it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
Mademoiselle tell me do you play
Well, if she shakes her head, well then that's okay
I watch her walk away in haste
There's just no accounting for some people's taste,
And it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
Big angry man in the doorway there
Just keep on walking like I don't care
Why you giving such an evil eye
Could it be you were ignored by every passerby
And it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
Play in the park for tobacco and food
Then I excuse myself but they think I'm rude
Tourist don't want me to end his show
But this colorful attraction got places to go
And it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
Sit at the pier watch the sun go down
Another lost little boy in a big old town
I want to laugh I want to cry
But no matter how hard I may try
It won't mean a thing in a hundred years
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
It won't mean a thing in a hundred years
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
The song "100 Years" by Blues Traveler is a contemplative and introspective piece that reflects on the transience of life and the insignificance of our daily struggles in the grand scheme of things. The opening lines describe a moment of feeling carefree and invincible, basking in the warmth of the sun, but this mood is quickly dampened by the realization that the singer is homeless and hungry, resorting to telling lies to survive. The theme of impermanence is emphasized by the refrain that "it won't mean a thing in a hundred years," reminding us that whatever struggles we experience now, they will eventually pass and become irrelevant.
The song continues to describe encounters with other people who, in various ways, reflect the futility and fleeting nature of our existence. The rejection of a woman's offer to play music with him signifies the arbitrary nature of success and recognition, while the anger of a passerby is presented as a symptom of the frustrations of being ignored and forgotten. The singer's own marginalization is further highlighted in the scene of him playing music for tobacco and food in a park, only to be misunderstood and rebuked by a tourist. The final verse depicts the singer watching the sunset by himself, feeling a mix of emotions that he cannot fully express or understand.
Overall, "100 Years" is a poignant meditation on the human condition, urging us to appreciate the present moment while recognizing our own limitations and the transience of all things.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun is warm as the day is long
The day is warm and welcoming, which makes me feel like everything will be okay
I just got the feeling I can do no wrong
I feel like I have the power to succeed and nothing can stop me
I've got a long way to walk
I have a lot of work to do to achieve my goals
Can't afford my next meal
I am struggling to make ends meet and need to find a way to feed myself
I tell a few lies but my hunger is real
I may lie to get by, but my struggle with hunger and poverty is legitimate
And it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
All of my current struggles and worries will be meaningless in the grand scheme of things
Mademoiselle tell me do you play
I am asking the woman if she is a musician
Well, if she shakes her head, well then that's okay
If she says no, it's no big deal and I'll continue on my way
I watch her walk away in haste
I see her quickly leave, perhaps not interested or in a hurry
There's just no accounting for some people's taste
Everyone has their own preferences and likes, and I can't change that
Big angry man in the doorway there
I see an intimidating man standing in the doorway
Just keep on walking like I don't care
I am going to ignore the man and continue on my way
Why you giving such an evil eye
I wonder why the man is glaring at me with hostility
Could it be you were ignored by every passerby
I consider that maybe the man is feeling ignored or neglected and taking it out on others
Play in the park for tobacco and food
I am performing music in the park for small rewards like cigarettes and food
Then I excuse myself but they think I'm rude
When I try to leave, some people think I am being impolite
Tourist don't want me to end his show
A tourist is enjoying my performance and doesn't want me to stop
But this colorful attraction got places to go
Despite the allure of staying, I need to keep moving and progressing
Sit at the pier watch the sun go down
I sit and observe the beauty of the sunset
Another lost little boy in a big old town
I feel alone and uncertain in this large, overwhelming city
I want to laugh I want to cry
I have intense emotions but don't know how to express or deal with them
But no matter how hard I may try
Despite my efforts, I cannot change or control everything in my life
It won't mean a thing in a hundred years
All of the ups and downs, joys and sorrows of my life will be insignificant in the grand scheme of things
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
This theme of insignificance is reiterated once more to drive home the message
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JOHN C. POPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gavin Mula Moses 513
This tune is absolutely timeless and has gotten me through some dark days.
Dan Eckley
Wrote about this in high school and was yelled at by teacher she is an issue with the world today
Steven Clark
I often think about this song when life gets stressful from sweating the little things. Such wisdom and beautiful songwriting from a remarkable band.
Mark Remington
John Popper is an incredible songwriter and musician. so many good songs, so much passion, feeling. Thank you for posting.
Feetie39
Hands down my favorite Blues Traveler song. PERIOD!
boxing and bulldogs
Can't believe we're 32 years into the 100 years. Time moves fast, kids.
John Crowe
This is a Great Song to Listen to In Times of "Trouble".
sunshine xoxo
Oh the memories, this song has a special place in my heart. Thanks Brad V, you rock!
Liam Cox
Hey, crashiooi. i just want to thank you for making this. this isnt AT ALL the song i had originally searched for, but you get brownie points for helping me find something even better!!
Ryan Martin
this song ALWAYS puts a smile on my face