BEEN ABOUTA YEAR Lyrics by Jessie Reyez is a reflective song about disillusionment and unmet expectations. The lyrics depict a personal struggle with sobriety, heartbreak, and the irony of achieving material success while feeling emotionally unfulfilled. The song questions why life doesn’t turn out as planned, expressing frustration with fate and divine intervention. The chorus highlights the contrast between dreams and reality, with the narrator feeling let down by life’s promises. The metaphor of “fool’s gold” reinforces the idea that what seemed valuable or fulfilling ultimately turned out to be empty.
BEEN ABOUTA YEAR Lyrics
[Intro]
One, two, three
[Verse 1]
Been about a year since I had a drink
Been about a year since I talked to my brother
Lost love again, I think I’m on the brink
But the irony is getting everything else that you wanted
Been about a year since I had a drink
But everything I wanted’s at the bottom of a bottle
Wish I was dumb and I wouldn’t overthink
And I wish I was nice and more like my mother
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, how come it never goes
The way that you f*cking planned it? Yeah
Like I’m slow, like I’m a f*cking joke
Like God somewhere up thеre laughing
[Chorus]
Well, wherе’s my baby? Where’s my diamonds?
Where’s the famous silver lining I was promised?
To be honest, life is falling kinda short
Well, where’s my baby? Where’s my diamonds?
Where’s the famous silver lining I was promised?
To be honest, life is falling kinda short
[Post-Chorus]
From what I was told
From what I was told
I got fool’s gold
The future ain’t nothing but some
Fool’s gold
[Verse 2]
Been about a year since I had a drink
But mushrooms ‘gwan ’cause I’m California sober
Lost love again, I think I got a kink
For anyone available who wants to f*ck me over
Been about a year since I had a drink
Bought a crib in LA but I’m only getting colder
Wish I was dumb and I wouldn’t overthink
But it’s only getting worse and I’m only getting older
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, how come it never goes
The way that you f*cking planned it? Yeah
Like I’m slow, like I’m a f*cking joke
Like God somewhere up there laughing, ha
[Chorus]
Well, where’s my baby? Where’s my diamonds?
Where’s the famous silver lining I was promised?
To be honest, life is falling kinda short
Well, where’s my baby? Where’s my diamonds?
Where’s the famous silver lining I was promised?
To be honest, life is falling kinda short
[Post-Chorus]
From what I was told, yeah
From what I was told
I got fool’s gold
Future ain’t nothing but some fool’s gold
Yeah
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Life Lessons We Can Learn From This Song:
1. Success Doesn’t Always Bring Happiness – The lyrics suggest that even after achieving certain milestones—like sobriety or financial success—the singer still feels unfulfilled. This highlights how external achievements don’t always lead to internal happiness.
2. Life Doesn’t Always Go as Planned – The repeated frustration in the pre-chorus (“how come it never goes the way that you f*cking planned it?”) is a universal truth. No matter how much we plan, life often takes unexpected turns, and learning to adapt is key.
3. The Illusion of “Fool’s Gold” – The song’s title and post-chorus emphasize the idea that what we chase (money, fame, love) can sometimes be deceiving. What seems valuable may not bring real fulfillment, teaching us to look for deeper, more meaningful connections.
4. The Struggle with Self-Improvement – Lines about trying to change (like quitting drinking) but still feeling stuck show how personal growth is not always a straight path. The wish to be more like one’s mother suggests admiration for someone else’s kindness, reminding us that real change takes time.
5. The Search for Love and Validation – The singer longs for love and recognition but struggles with finding genuine connections. This highlights how external validation isn’t the solution to inner struggles—we must first find peace within ourselves.
6. The Passing of Time and Existential Reflection – The realization that time is moving forward (“I’m only getting older”) adds a layer of existential dread, urging us to cherish the present instead of chasing unattainable ideals.
This song beautifully captures the frustration of unmet expectations and the search for meaning in a world that often feels unfair. What part of the song resonates with you the most?
Audio Credits
Artist : Jessie Reyez
Album : PAID IN MEMORIES
Lyricist : Jessie Reyez
Music : OAK, Kid Harpoon, Keith Sorrells