Wasted Years
John Lee Hooker Feat. Van Morrison Lyrics

Wasted years been brainwashed by lies
I have lost years of my life as I was made to believe in untruths and was misled.

Oh wasted years
Years of my life that are now lost and have no meaning.

I'm talking about wasted years
I am referring to years of my life that were a waste and could have been better used.

Oh I'm not seeing eye-to-eye
I am having difficulty agreeing with the ideas that are being presented to me.

I just can't see the things I should see
I am unable to perceive the insights that should be apparent to me.

Wasted years, baby
Again, referring to years of my life that have been wasted and unproductive.

I was taking the wrong advice
I listened to ideas that were incorrect and misguided.

All alone I'm traveling
I am navigating through my life without support, feeling isolated and disconnected.

Traveling through these wasted years
Continuing the metaphor of travelling through the lost, unproductive time in my life.

Oh, I must have gained some wisdom
After enduring such a difficult time, I must have gained some knowledge and insights that can help me move forward.

Down through the years I did
Over time, I was able to mature and gain valuable knowledge and understanding.

Somewhere along the way
At some point in my journey, I was able to learn important lessons and gain important insights.

That's why there can't be no more
Because of the progress I have made, I will no longer tolerate wasted time or unsupportive ideas.

No more
Emphasizing the fact that I refuse to accept any more unproductive or negative patterns in my life.

I got wise, I got wise to myself
I have become much more self-aware, recognizing and correcting my negative behavioral patterns and limitations.

Well baby the great sadness
Referring to the intense emotions and pain that I have endured during this difficult time in my life.

Oh, you've got to let it all go
I need to move past the sadness and release the pain that has been holding me back.

Live in the present
Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or negative emotions, I need to focus on the present moment and use my newfound wisdom to make good choices.

Live in the future John Lee, ain't that so
Van is encouraging John Lee to look to the future and all the exciting potential it holds.

Oh, it's a sad feeling, oh yeah
Even though the pain and sadness have to be released to move forward, it is still a difficult experience.

Oh, you've gotta find something
It is important to find something, whether it be a passion or a supportive community, to help carry you through the difficult times in life.

I've learned my lesson
I have gained knowledge and insights from my experiences and will not make the same mistakes again.

I ain't gonna do it no more, yeah
I am determined to break free from negative patterns and confidently move forward with my newfound wisdom.

Now Van
John Lee is asking Van to join him in singing the song and celebrating their newfound progress.

I've learned my lesson
Again emphasizing the lessons learned and the progress made.

All these wasted years, wasted years
Repeating the main theme of wasted and unproductive years.

I finally woke up and got wise
Acknowledging the moment of realization that sparked the transformation in their thinking.

I ain't gonna be, ain't gonna be no fool no more
Empowering themselves by making the decision to no longer fall into the same negative patterns and ways of thinking.

Now Van, now Van
Still encouraging Van to join in and celebrate their newfound wisdom.

Ain't gonna be nobody's body's fool no more
Repeatedly affirming their new determination and commitment to making better choices and living a more fulfilling life.

Sing the song Van, sing it with me
An invitation to sing and celebrate their progress and growth together.

Dark, dark wasted years
A final acknowledgement of the difficult and negative time in their lives that they have now overcome.

So dark here
Emphasizing the heaviness and difficulty of the wasted years.

I must have gained something
Despite the negative experiences, I have still gained important knowledge and insights that will be invaluable moving forward.

Yeah
A simple affirmation.

Oh traveling along the lonely way
Still using the metaphor of the journey to describe their lives, but this time emphasizing that the journey was lonely and difficult.

Yeah, I've learned a lesson
Repeating the theme of learning important lessons from difficult experiences.

I'm gonna make damn sure baby, make damn sure
An emphatic statement of their determination to take control of their lives and ensure that they do not repeat the same mistakes.

There's no more wasted years today
Closing the song with a hopeful statement of their commitment to living a more productive and fulfilling life moving forward.