Guy is known for his showmanship; for example, he plays with drumsticks and walks into the audience whilst playing, the latter being a gimmick he picked up from a local blues guitarist at an early age (joining or leaping into the audience has also long been common in both American popular and gospel music, as in the earlier work of Big Jay McNeely or the Dixie Hummingbirds).
Guy grew up in Louisiana where he learned to play guitar. In the early 1950s he began performing with bands in Baton Rouge. Soon after moving to Chicago in 1957, Guy fell under the influence of "Mighty" Muddy Waters. In 1958 he won a record contract with Artistic Records after beating the West Side guitarists Magic Sam and Otis Rush in a "Head Cutting Contest" at the Blue Flame Club. Soon afterwards he recorded for the Cobra label.
In the early 1960s, Guy was a session guitarist for Chess Records. He recorded on Junior Wells sessions for Delmark Records under the pseudonym Friendly Chap in 1965 and 1966. His career took off during a blues revival period in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and was sparked by Eric Clapton's request that Guy be part of the '24 nights' all-star blues guitar lineup at London's Royal Albert Hall and Guy's subsequent signing with Silvertone Records.
A Few Good Years
Buddy Guy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I travel everywhere
Made a ton of money
Spent it like I don't care
A few good years
Is all I need right now
Please, please lord
I had my share of women
They had their share of me
They told me I was trouble
And I don't disagree
Just a few more years
Is all I need right now
Please, please lord
Send a few good years on down
Send 'em right now
There's years that I remember
And some that I forget
I'm havin' such a good time
I hope I have a couple left
A few good years
Is all I need right now
Please, please lord
Send a few good years on down
Please, please lord
Send a few good years on down
Send 'em on down
Please, send a few good years on down
That's all I need right now
Please, yes
Send 'em on down
In Buddy Guy's song "A Few Good Years," the singer reflects on his life and experiences, acknowledging his luck and adventures but also his faults and mistakes. The opening lines refer to the singer's success in his career and his lack of regard for money. The line "Spent it like I don't care" suggests that he has lived recklessly and perhaps regrets some of his choices.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "A few good years" four times, emphasizing the singer's desire to have more time to enjoy life. He asks the Lord to send him these years, indicating a sense of humility and recognition of a higher power. The second verse mentions the singer's romantic relationships and his reputation as a troublemaker. Again, he admits to his faults but also implies that he has enjoyed his time with women.
The final verse reflects on the singer's nostalgia for past experiences and his hope for the future. He wants to continue having a good time and living life to the fullest. The repetition of the request in the chorus reinforces his plea for more time.
Overall, "A Few Good Years" is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the desire to continue living life fully, despite past mistakes or regrets.
Line by Line Meaning
I been mighty lucky
I have been fortunate in life
I travel everywhere
I have been around the world
Made a ton of money
I have earned a lot of money
Spent it like I don't care
I have spent the money recklessly
A few good years
I am looking for a few happy years
Is all I need right now
I just need a few good years currently
Please, please lord
I am requesting the Almighty's help
Send a few good years on down
Bless me with some enjoyable years ahead
I had my share of women
I have been in relationships with several women
They had their share of me
And they have had experiences with me too
They told me I was trouble
They have warned others of me
And I don't disagree
I don't argue with them
Just a few more years
I only want a few extra years
Send 'em right now
Deliver them as soon as possible
There's years that I remember
I recall the good times in my life
And some that I forget
I have forgotten some of the tough times
I'm havin' such a good time
I am currently happy
I hope I have a couple left
I hope there are more years of happiness remaining
Please, yes
Yes, please
Send 'em on down
Please deliver them to me
Writer(s): TOM HAMBRIDGE
Contributed by Caleb M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@marcinperlinski8932
Te dźwięki bluesowe to prawdziwy balsam na moje skołatane serce. Chyba nie ma płyty Buddy Guya, która byłaby nietrafiona. Nieśmiało proszę o więcej takich krążków!!!
@maximpopov8651
One of the greatest Blues albums in history 💙
@penfloyd
One of his best Albums.......Buddy the Legend...
@kenycharles8600
Didn't you say that about his last one? ;) ay David Mark
@nibrocnoel3240
@Keny Charles I did too. But they just keep getting better!
@merkjanoosterhoff1590
All his albums are the best!
@delvas0
Buddy is a Guy that Keeps the Blues Alive
@zacharyclippersr
This album is fire. Buddy being a Legend. However some of it feels like Buddy is feeling this might be his last.
@no1onderwhy
Buddy Guy is a living national treasure.
@viniciuscamilo7139
International*