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 lyrics of "100 Years" by Blues Traveler highlight the transient nature of life and how most of the things that we spend our time worrying about will not matter in the long run. The song is narrated by someone who is struggling to make ends meet and tells lies to survive. Despite this, he acknowledges that his current situation does not define him and that his actions will not have much impact in the grand scheme of things. The singer encounters different people in his journey but realizes that their opinions and actions do not hold much significance as well. In the end, he finds himself alone at the pier, contemplating the seemingly meaningless existence he leads.
The repeated lines "it won't mean a thing in a hundred years" serve as a reminder that life is short and the things we do now will not have much impact in the future. The singer's struggles and the people he meets along the way represent the struggles and interactions we all have in life but in the end, they hold little importance. The song encourages listeners to live in the present and not to get too caught up in the insignificant things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun is warm as the day is long
The warmth of the sun makes me feel hopeful and positive
I just got the feeling I can do no wrong
Feeling confident and empowered
I've got a long way to walk
I have a lot of challenges ahead of me
Can't afford my next meal
Struggling financially and unable to meet basic needs
I tell a few lies but my hunger is real
Resorting to dishonesty to get by
And it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
None of my current struggles or worries will matter a hundred years from now
Mademoiselle tell me do you play
Asking a woman if she plays an instrument
Well, if she shakes her head, well then that's okay
Accepting her answer if she doesn't play
I watch her walk away in haste
Observing her leave quickly
There's just no accounting for some people's taste,
Not understanding why some people like certain things
Big angry man in the doorway there
Encountering an angry man in my path
Just keep on walking like I don't care
Choosing to ignore the man and keep going
Why you giving such an evil eye
Questioning the man's hostility towards me
Could it be you were ignored by every passerby
Wondering if the man is upset because he feels neglected or forgotten
Play in the park for tobacco and food
Performing music in the park for small rewards
Then I excuse myself but they think I'm rude
Leaving the park but being misunderstood by the audience
Tourist don't want me to end his show
A tourist enjoying the performance and not wanting it to stop
But this colorful attraction got places to go
Having to move on from this temporary source of joy
Sit at the pier watch the sun go down
Taking a moment to enjoy the sunset
Another lost little boy in a big old town
Feeling small and insignificant in a large, unfamiliar city
I want to laugh I want to cry
Experiencing conflicting emotions
But no matter how hard I may try
Unable to fully express or process my feelings
It won't mean a thing in a hundred years
Realizing that my current emotions and experiences are only temporary and won't matter in the grand scheme of things
No, it won't mean a thing in a hundred years
Repeating the refrain to emphasize this point
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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