The lyrics of "Wasted Years" by Van Morrison reflect on the speaker's past mistakes and regrets, admitting to being brainwashed by lies and taking wrong advice, resulting in wasted time. The speaker acknowledges that they have gained wisdom over the years and is determined to live in the present and future, learning from their past to ensure there are no more wasted years.

Meaning of "Wasted Years" by Van Morrison

"Wasted Years" delves into themes of regret, personal growth, and self-awareness. The lyrics depict a realization of past mistakes and poor decisions that have led to wasted time. The speaker reflects on being misguided and falling into patterns that did not serve them well, but also acknowledges the valuable wisdom gained from those experiences. The song emphasizes the importance of learning from the past, letting go of regret, and taking control of one's future choices to avoid repeating past mistakes. By encouraging living in the present and looking towards the future, the lyrics convey a message of resilience, self-reflection, and determination to make positive changes. Overall, "Wasted Years" serves as a reflective piece that highlights the significance of personal growth and evolution through learning from past missteps.