The Strange Mind of Buddy Lackey was released after Psychotic Waltz's second album, Into the Everflow, in 1993
Five Years
Buddy Lackey Lyrics
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I have no reason to try
It's just the strange way that the world is turning 'round
As if I need a reason why
Five years in the underground
Shaping sound
It's just a question of ten or two
More and more with life it comes through knowing you
It's just another trip of mine
Five years in the underground
Counting down
Five years in the underground
Longer now
My soul is lifted above ground
I think I'm learning to fly
So why's it feel as if you try to hold me down
When all my life that's kept me trying
Five years in the underground
Shaping sound
Five years in the underground
Counting down
I know what this means to you
But am I part of your dream
'cause wheels are turning and I've got to see it through
Though I ain't expecting nothing
Five years in the underground
Shaping sound
Five years in the underground
Counting down
Five years in the underground
Longer now
Over now?
The song "Five Years" by Buddy Lackey is a reflection on the artist's experiences existing within a particular underground music scene for five years. The lyrics suggest that while the artist may not be actively seeking to put anyone down, they feel as though they are being held back and kept down by others' expectations or desires. This idea is encapsulated in the line "So why's it feel as if you try to hold me down, when all my life that's kept me trying."
The repetitive motif of "five years in the underground" denotes an extended period of time spent honing one's craft and developing a unique style. The line "Shaping sound" suggests that the artist has been experimenting and finding their own voice during this time. However, the artist's creative growth has led them to outgrow the underground scene and become a bit disillusioned by it, as exemplified by the line "I think I'm learning to fly."
The song implies a sense of urgency to move on to bigger things with lines like "It's just a matter of time," and "Wheels are turning and I've got to see it through." Despite any uncertainties, the artist appears to have a clear determination to continue pursuing their music despite any obstacles or detractors they may encounter.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't looking to put you down
I have no intention of insulting you
I have no reason to try
I don't have a particular motive to try anything
It's just the strange way that the world is turning 'round
The world is taking unexpected turns
As if I need a reason why
There's no need for an explanation
Five years in the underground
Five years spent developing music underground
Shaping sound
Inventing and perfecting musical techniques
It's just a question of ten or two
Only a small amount of time remains
It's just a matter of time
The only thing left to do is wait
More and more with life it comes through knowing you
Life becomes better with the acquaintance of you
It's just another trip of mine
It's just another of my journeys
Five years in the underground
Five years spent developing music underground
Counting down
The end is approaching
Longer now
More time has passed
My soul is lifted above ground
I'm feeling uplifted and inspired
I think I'm learning to fly
I'm making progress and getting better
So why's it feel as if you try to hold me down
Why does it seem like you're trying to hinder my progress
When all my life that's kept me trying
My passion for music has always motivated me
I know what this means to you
I know how important this is to you
But am I part of your dream
Are my goals aligned with yours
'cause wheels are turning and I've got to see it through
I'm making progress and need to keep going
Though I ain't expecting nothing
Despite not expecting any results
Over now?
Is it all just about to end?
Contributed by Matthew A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.