100 Years Ago

The Rolling Stones' song '100 Years Ago' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. The lyrics take the listener on a journey through the woods, where the natural beauty and the freshness of the air evoke memories of a simpler, more innocent time. The imagery of bursting buds and sweet, strange air sets a scene that feels almost magical, as if stepping back into a time long past. This sense of nostalgia is further emphasized by the repeated phrase 'it seemed about a hundred years ago,' suggesting that the memories are distant yet vivid.

The song also delves into the theme of lost youth and the inevitable changes that come with growing up. The narrator reminisces about tender days spent with Mary, gazing at dragons in the sky, a metaphor for the boundless imagination and carefree nature of childhood. However, the present is marked by 'worried smiles' and the realization that friends are living out dreams of what they once were. This contrast between past and present highlights the melancholy that often accompanies the passage of time and the loss of innocence.

In the latter part of the song, the narrator grapples with the idea of growing up and the desire to escape from the pressures of adulthood. The lines 'Don't you think it's sometimes wise not to grow up?' and 'Call me lazy bones, ain't got no time to waste away' reflect a yearning to return to a simpler time or to hide away from the responsibilities and worries of adult life. The repeated warnings of 'You're gonna kiss and say good-bye' underscore the inevitability of change and the transient nature of relationships and moments in life. Ultimately, '100 Years Ago' is a contemplative piece that captures the universal human experience of looking back on the past with a mix of fondness and sorrow.