"Ten Years Ago" by Buddy Guy is a blues song that expresses the singer's reflection on his past and the emotions that arise from it. The song begins with an introduction where Buddy Guy mentions his current state of feeling the blues, but acknowledges that something tells him it's alright. He talks about the thrill and pleasure of being on stage and performing for the audience. Buddy Guy reveals that playing live shows often gives him more joy than being at home. He expresses gratitude towards the audience, as they are the ones who make him feel at home wherever he goes. He mentions that people often ask if he gets lonely while touring, but he believes that the support of the fans can make any place feel like home. The lyrics then shift into reflecting on the past ten years of Buddy Guy's life. He sings about how he has done things that nobody would have known or expected from him. However, despite these accomplishments, he also acknowledges that there are still things about him that people may never understand or know. The song takes a more emotional turn when Buddy Guy talks about sitting in a dark room and tears rolling down his eyes. The blues guitar playing enters, creating a melancholic atmosphere. He wonders why someone like him would cry and questions what triggers such emotions. Towards the end, Buddy Guy decides to let go of his worries and accept his life as it is. He emphasizes that he might as well forget about the past and live in the present. However, he expresses a desire to go back in time, to a period ten years ago when things were different. The song ends with a lively instrumental section, where the band plays an energetic blues tune. It serves as a cathartic release, symbolizing the emotional journey depicted in the lyrics.
