Hanson was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He started learning guitar at four years old and by the age of 13 formed the emo/indie rock band M.I.J. Seven years later the band released a 7", an EP and a full album on Caulfield Records.
He began a solo career in 2003 and was signed to Kill Rock Stars Records after sending in an unsolicited demo tape. He has since released three albums for the label, Son in 2003 and Jeff Hanson in 2005. His third album for Kill Rock Stars titled Madam Owl was released on August 19 2008. Hanson's solo albums were recorded at Presto! Recording Studios.
Since 1996 Hanson resided in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Hanson was found dead on June 7, 2009, in his St. Paul apartment, which he had moved into a few days earlier. The cause was mixed drug toxicity.
Some Years Ago
Jeff Hanson Lyrics
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It carried on and left me under waves
I somehow thought inside you'd come alive
I'm left not going far from right
In the air's a certain sound at night
We move just to begin so now you're in
And everytime I'm almost there but far below
What I want to call home
Where I was some years ago
So let me say that I'm alright
It's moving from a sound into the light
To see if it belongs
It won't belong
Am I still wrong to figure out
It came across and what it's all about
Today may be just fine Another time
It's hard to open everything that's happened here
And there's a story that will soon be coming clear
So once more
Today seems like it was
Whoever thought and who would care that much
I know some how inside You'll come alive
The lyrics of Jeff Hanson's "Some Years Ago" talk about longing for someone who is no longer present in one's life. The song begins by talking about how the singer didn't expect to hear the person's name again and how it left him feeling overwhelmed. However, he still holds onto the hope that the person is still alive somewhere within him. The lyrics then go on to talk about the feeling of being stuck and not being able to move forward in life. The singer talks about how there is a certain sound in the air at night, possibly referring to the person's absence. The mention of "air" and "sound" throughout the song creates a sense of longing and melancholy.
The chorus of the song talks about how the singer is almost there but still far from what he wants. He mentions that the person he longs for was there on the other side, possibly indicating that they have moved on while he remains stuck in the past. He acknowledges that he is alright but still feels lost and unsure of where he belongs. Towards the end of the song, the singer talks about the difficulties of opening up about what has happened and how there is a story that will soon be revealed. The final lines of the song express hope that the person he seeks will come alive somehow.
Overall, "Some Years Ago" conveys a sense of longing and uncertainty that many people can relate to. The lyrics are poetic and use imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion.
Line by Line Meaning
How was I to hear your name
I didn't expect to hear your name, and now I am feeling emotional
It carried on and left me under waves
The sound of your name overwhelmed me and now I am struggling to keep my composure
I somehow thought inside you'd come alive
I had hope that hearing your name would make me feel closer to you, but it didn't
I'm left not going far from right
I feel stuck and unsure of what direction to take in life
In the air's a certain sound at night
There is a familiar sound in the air that reminds me of you
We move just to begin so now you're in
Life is always changing and moving forward, and now you are a part of my memories
And everytime I'm almost there but far below
I feel like I am getting close to making progress, but then I fall back down again
What I want to call home
I am searching for a place or feeling of comfort and belonging
And on their side you were there so you should know
You were present during a difficult time in my life, so you understand where I am coming from
Where I was some years ago
I am reflecting on a past experience and how it has shaped me
So let me say that I'm alright
Despite my struggles, I want to reassure others that I am doing okay
It's moving from a sound into the light
I am slowly making progress and my situation is improving
To see if it belongs
I am trying to determine if a certain path or decision is right for me
It won't belong
I realize that some things just aren't meant to be a part of my life
Am I still wrong to figure out
I am questioning whether or not I should continue trying to make sense of my experiences
It came across and what it's all about
I am trying to understand the meaning behind a significant event in my life
Today may be just fine Another time
I am aware that my mental and emotional state can change from day to day
It's hard to open everything that's happened here
It is difficult to be vulnerable and share all of my experiences with others
And there's a story that will soon be coming clear
Despite my struggles, I believe that everything will eventually make sense and come together
So once more
I am reflecting on my experiences and searching for answers
Today seems like it was
I am reminiscing about a past moment
Whoever thought and who would care that much
I am surprised by how much a certain moment or experience has impacted me
I know some how inside You'll come alive
I believe that one day, you will finally understand how much you mean to me and how much you have impacted my life
Contributed by Ryan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.