Ten Years Gone

What a magnificent song. Listening to it as I type this post.

Then as it was, then again it will be
And though the course may change sometimes
Rivers always reach the sea
Blind stars of fortune, each have several rays
On the wings of maybe, down in birds of prey
Kind of makes me feel sometimes, didn’t have to grow
But as the eagle leaves the nest, it’s got so far to go

Changes fill my time, baby, that’s alright with me
In the midst I think of you, and how it used to be

Did you ever really need somebody
And really need ’em bad
Did you ever really want somebody
The best love you ever had
Do you ever remember me, baby
Did it feel so good
‘Cause it was just the first time
And you knew you would

Through the eyes an’ I sparkle
Senses growing keen
Taste your love along the way
See your feathers preen
Kind of makes makes me feel sometimes
Didn’t have to grow
We are eagles of one nest
The nest is in our soul

Vixen in my dreams, with great surprise to me
Never thought I’d see your face
The way it used to be
Oh darlin’, oh darlin’

I’m never gonna leave you
I never gonna leave
Holdin’ on, ten years gone
Ten years gone, holdin’ on, ten years gone
Ten years gone, holdin’ on

Songwriters: Jimmy Page / Robert Plant

Ten Years Gone lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc

As I listen to it, my mind is awash in faces and memories. Friends who’ve come and gone, some tragically. Loved ones who died before their time, some violently.

I see myself in times of solitude. Just me and my guitar. Picking away at the strings, looking for that elusive note, or that perfect tone.

I see me and my friends at company Christmas parties, the one time of year everyone seemed to get along. I go back further and see keg parties in the woods, tripping over twigs, logs and our own feet.

I see myself sitting in the desert watching the sunset, and I realize how deep down inside, there is a part of me that really does miss the war. It was one of the few times I felt truly vital and alive. It’s highly ironic that someone can miss something of that nature, and yet I do.

I’m still listening to Led Zeppelin.

“Sometimes words have two meanings.”

“And my spirit is crying for leaving.”

Where do I see myself in ten years? I truly don’t know, and I honestly don’t know if I care.

Right now, I just want to listen to Led Zeppelin in the desert.

“To be a rock and not to roll.”