Five Long Years
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Have you ever been mistreated? You know just what I'm talking about.
Have you ever been mistreated? You know just what I'm talking about.
I worked five long years for one woman, she had the nerve to put me out.

I got a job in a steel mill, shucking steel like a slave.
Five long years, every Friday I come straight back home with all my pay.
Have you ever been mistreated? You know just what I'm talking about.
I worked five long years for one woman, she had the nerve to put me out.

I finally learned my lesson, should a long time ago.
The next woman that I marry, she gonna work and bring me the dough.
Have you ever been mistreated? You know just what I'm talking about.
I worked five long years for one woman, she had the nerve,
She had the nerve,




She had the nerve,
She had the nerve to put me out.

Overall Meaning

In "Five Long Years," Eric Clapton describes a frustrating period in his life where he was mistreated and used by a woman for five years before being kicked out. The first verse begins by asking if the listeners have ever gone through a similar experience of being mistreated by someone, and for those who have, Clapton affirms that he understands. He then reveals that he spent five years working for a woman who eventually kicked him out of her life, most likely referring to a romantic partner.


The second verse shifts to Clapton's job in a steel mill, where he spent five long years working hard every Friday and bringing home his paycheck, only to be thrown out by the woman he worked so hard for. The chorus repeats the question of whether the audience has ever been mistreated and underscores the frustration and betrayal Clapton feels after everything he's done for his partner.


The final verse shows Clapton's resolution to learn from his experiences and not let it happen again. He vows that the next woman he marries will work and bring him the dough, implying that he will not let himself be used again. In the end, the song is a reflection on a difficult time in Clapton's life and his determination to not let it happen again.


Line by Line Meaning

Have you ever been mistreated? You know just what I'm talking about.
Have you ever experienced injustice, dishonor, or mistreatment? If so, you can fully understand and relate to my situation.


I worked five long years for one woman, she had the nerve to put me out.
I dedicated five grueling years of my life to this woman, only for her to disrespectfully kick me out.


I got a job in a steel mill, shucking steel like a slave.
I worked at a steel mill and had to do backbreaking labor that left me feeling enslaved.


Five long years, every Friday I come straight back home with all my pay.
For five arduous years, every Friday, I would come home after receiving my paycheck, only to be forced to give it all up.


I finally learned my lesson, should a long time ago.
I have finally gained wisdom through my experience, something I should have learned a long time ago.


The next woman that I marry, she gonna work and bring me the dough.
From now on, the next woman I marry will have to work and be the primary breadwinner.


She had the nerve to put me out.
Despite all my hard work and dedication, she had the audacity to kick me out.




Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: Eddie Boyd

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