What A Life I've Led

The Hollies' song "What A Life I've Led" paints a vivid picture of a hardened outlaw reflecting on his life of crime and violence. The protagonist, now old and weary, recounts his past with a mix of pride and regret. The lyrics describe a man who was once feared and ruthless, willing to kill for gold and leave a trail of destruction in his wake. The imagery of wearing black and having green eyes adds to the menacing persona he once embodied.

The chorus serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the weight of his actions. He acknowledges that he has been a "real bad man" and expresses a sense of inevitability about his fate, suggesting that he should be dead given the life he has led. The repetition of the chorus underscores the cyclical nature of his violent lifestyle and the lasting impact it has had on him and those around him.

The narrative continues with specific anecdotes, such as riding into Dodge to steal the railmen's pay and leaving a bloody scene behind. These stories highlight the extent of his ruthlessness and the solitary nature of his existence. Despite his acknowledgment of the pain he has caused and the loneliness he has endured, he admits that he would do it all over again. This admission reveals a complex character who is both resigned to his fate and unapologetic about his choices, encapsulating the essence of a life lived on the edge.