Originally from Nottingham in the UK, this band of virtuoso musicians under the leadership of Alvin Lee conquered the UK scene and then spread their wings to the USA. Their blend of jazz, blues and rock was initially slightly awkward but their first album provided an opening for them. In October, their 1967 self-titled debut album was released.
In 1968, after touring Scandinavia and the United States, Ten Years After released their second album, live Undead, which brought their first classic, "I'm Going Home." This was followed in February 1969 by studio issue, Stonedhenge, a British hit, that included another classic, "Hear Me Calling" (it was released also as a single, and covered in 1972 by British glam rock rising stars, Slade). In July 1969 they appeared at the Newport Jazz Festival, in the first event to which rock bands were invited. In August, the band performed a breakthrough American appearance at Woodstock; their furious-to-soft-to-furious rendition of "I'm Going Home" featuring Alvin Lee as the lead singer was featured in both the subsequent film and soundtrack album and catapulted them to star status.
During 1970, Ten Years After released "Love Like a Man", their only hit in the UK Singles Chart. This song was on their fifth album, Cricklewood Green. The name of the album comes from a friend of the group who lived in Cricklewood, London. He grew a sort of plant which was said to have hallucinogenic effects. The band did not know the name of this plant, so they called their album Cricklewood Green. It was the first record to be issued with a different playing speed on each side – one a three-minute edit at 45rpm, the other, a nine-minute live version at 33rpm. In August, Ten Years After played the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 to an audience of 600,000.
In 1971, the band released the album A Space in Time which marked a move toward more commercial material. It featured their biggest hit, "I'd Love To Change The World". But a few albums later, the band broke up after the 1974 album Positive Vibrations. They re-united in 1983 to play the Reading Festival and this performance was later released on CD as The Friday Rock Show Sessions - Live At Reading '83. In 1988, they re-united for a few concerts and recorded the album About Time (1989). Finally, in 1994, they participated in the Eurowoodstock festival in Budapest.
Alvin Lee has since then mostly played and recorded under his own name. In 2003, the other band members replaced him with Joe Gooch and recorded the album Now. Material from the following tour was used for the 2005 double album Roadworks.
Lee died on March 6, 2013. According to his website, he died from "unforeseen complications following a routine surgical procedure."[2][3][4] He was 68. His former bandmates lamented his death, Leo Lyons called him "the closest thing I had to a brother", while Ric Lee (no relation) said "I don't think its even sunk in yet as to the reality of his passing." Billboard Magazine wrote of his passing, highlighting such landmark performances as "I'm Going Home" from the Woodstock festival and his 1974 hit single "I'd Love to Change the World."[5]
Band members:
Alvin Lee – guitar, vocals
Leo Lyons – bass
Chick Churchill – keyboards
Ric Lee – drums
Joe Gooch – guitar, vocals (joined in 2003)
You can also see Alvin Lee and / or Alvin Lee & Ten Years After and / or Alvin Lee & Co and / or The Alvin Lee Band on Last.fm.
Circles
Ten Years After Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wonder will it ever end
If I die, baby, will you miss me
Or just find another friend
Does it matter what I do
Live life right or bear a grudge?
Does it matter what I do
I have been to many places
I have journeyed through the mind
Though I've found some different faces
Another answer I can't find
Does it matter what I do
Is there anyone to say?
Does it matter what I do
Is there any other way?
I have got what I once dreamed of
As a child, so long ago
But my life just goes in circles
'Cause one answer I don't know
Does it matter what I do
Who will hear me if I cry?
Does it matter what I do
Does it matter if I die?
Ten Years After’s song “Circles” is a soulful reflection on what it means to live a life of purpose and fulfillment. The opening lyrics reveal the singer's confusion and uncertainty about life's cyclical nature. He wonders if his journey will ever find a conclusion, or if he will remain stuck in an endless loop.
As the song progresses, the lyrics delve into existential questions about the meaning of life. The singer ponders if anyone will care if he dies, or if his existence, in the grand scheme of things, is insignificant. He questions whether it's important to live a good life, or whether it's all futile in the end.
The singer acknowledges that he's experienced many different things and encountered many people during his journey, but ultimately, he still feels lost. He's unable to find the answer to life's most fundamental questions. The song's conclusion suggests that despite achieving his childhood dreams and desires, he's still lacking fulfillment.
Overall, "Circles" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of life and the universal human search for meaning and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Life is going around in circles
Life seems to be repetitive and cyclical, with no clear end or escape.
Wonder will it ever end
The singer is questioning whether their current situation will ever change or if they will be stuck in this pattern forever.
If I die, baby, will you miss me
The singer is wondering if their death would have an impact on those around them.
Or just find another friend
The artist is questioning whether their relationships are meaningful or easily replaceable.
Does it matter what I do
The artist is questioning whether their actions have any significance or impact.
Live life right or bear a grudge?
The singer is pondering whether it is more important to live a virtuous life or to hold onto negative feelings and resentment.
Is there anyone to judge?
The singer is questioning whether there is anyone to hold them accountable for their actions.
I have been to many places
The artist has experienced a lot of different things.
I have journeyed through the mind
The artist has explored their own thoughts and emotions in depth.
Though I've found some different faces
The artist has met many people, but they haven't necessarily found anything new or profound in these relationships.
Another answer I can't find
Despite their experiences, the singer is still searching for something they can't seem to uncover.
Does it matter what I do
The artist is questioning the impact of their actions again.
Is there anyone to say?
The singer is wondering if anyone can offer guidance or provide answers to their questions.
Is there any other way?
The singer is questioning whether there are alternative options to their current situation.
I have got what I once dreamed of
Despite their uncertainty, the singer has achieved something they once hoped for.
As a child, so long ago
This dream has been with the artist for a long time.
But my life just goes in circles
Despite their achievement, the artist is still stuck in a repetitive pattern of life.
'Cause one answer I don't know
There is still a question the singer is searching for an answer to.
Who will hear me if I cry?
The singer is questioning whether anyone will be there to support them in their times of need.
Does it matter what I do
The artist is still grappling with whether their actions have meaning or value.
Does it matter if I die?
The artist is questioning the significance of their life and what it means for them to leave this world.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CHARLIE WARE, NAPOLIAN BARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@madadhdubh4831
Got this album for Christmas in 1971, every time I listen to it I think of the girl who gave it to me . Still have the same album
Saw Ten Years After live a few times, Awesome days back then.
@creepytime9689
Thankful to have this beautiful song in my life.
@mirkodragicevic9609
yesssss
@sveindahl119
Have totally forgotten Cricklewood Green.Bought the LP small 50 years ago and not been listening to it for 40 years.What a shame.It is a wonderful LP,and I am sitting now 73 years old,(with tears in my eyes. Svein from Norway.
@seannixon6978
My friend Chris Baker turned me onto this album. Thanks Chris, miss you my friend. RIP.
@patrickthurmond2774
One of my favorite songs. RIP Mr. Lee and thank you for all the GREAT music.
@MyNitrog
unbelievable musician,he played guitar like only could....RIP ALVIN, WE WILL MISS YOU...
@kbdantbryant
My all time favorite Ten Years After song. We will miss you Alvin.
@BertGrink
Not just the best TYA song, but one of the best songs ever, period.
@rickieconlin3245
One of my favorite bands songs and albums