Yesterdays
Anita O’Day Lyrics

In Anita O'Day's song "Yesterdays," the lyrics speak to nostalgia and longing for past days of happiness. The repetition of the word "yesterdays" throughout the song emphasizes a sense of looking back on cherished memories and experiences. These "days I knew as happy" are described as "sweet sequester days," suggesting a longing for a simpler and more secluded time.

The lyrics also evoke feelings of romanticism and love, referring to the past as "olden days" and "golden days" filled with "mad romance." The mention of "gay youth" being the singer's own suggests a time of carefree joy and passion, where life was full of "truth" and "flaming" energy. This paints a picture of a vibrant and exhilarating past.

However, as the song progresses, a sense of sadness and wistfulness emerges. The lyrics state, "Sad am I, glad am I, for today I'm dreaming of yesterdays." This implies a bittersweet acknowledgement that the present does not live up to the happiness and excitement of the past. The contrast between the past and the present creates a longing for those "yesterdays," where life was filled with more joy and fulfillment.

Overall, "Yesterdays" captures the emotional journey of reminiscing about the past and yearning for its happiness. It speaks to the universal human experience of looking back on cherished memories and longing for a time that now feels distant. The song connects with listeners on an emotional level, reminding them of the power of nostalgia and the longing for the joy and romance of yesterday.