Yesterdays
Billie Holiday Frankie Newton & His Orchestra Lyrics


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Yesterdays, yesterdays
Days I knew as happy sweet
Sequestered days
Olden days, golden days
Days of mad romance and love

Then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Joyous free in flame and life
Then sooth was mine
Sad am I, glad am I
For today I'm dreamin' of yesterdays

Yesterdays, yesterdays
Days I knew as happy sweet
Sequestered days
Olden days, golden days
Days of mad romance and love

For then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Joyous free in flame and life
Then sooth was mine
Sad am I, glad am I
For today I'm dreamin' of yesterdays





Yesterday

Overall Meaning

refers to memories from the past where the singer nostalgically recalls happy moments of their youth. The beginning of the song starts off with the repetition of "yesterdays," which creates a longing feeling for the past. The singer remembers a time when their youth was carefree and full of joy, where they experienced love and passion. These memories evoke a certain bitterness in their current state, as they are yearning to relive those moments.


The song takes a melancholic turn when the singer admits to feeling "sad" because they are dreaming of those blissful times. Yet, there is a hint of hope in this sentiment since they also express "glad" emotions, perhaps because the memories bring comfort and happiness to their present reality. The overall interpretation of this song is that the past cannot be relived, and it is vital to cherish the memories that bring joy.


Line by Line Meaning

Yesterdays, yesterdays
Reflecting on days gone by, a time of happiness and sweetness


Days I knew as happy sweet
Memories of days filled with joy and contentment


Sequestered days
Days of seclusion and solitude, perhaps a time of personal growth


Olden days, golden days
A tribute to the beauty and charm of times past


Days of mad romance and love
Recalling a time of passion, desire and strong emotions


Then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Those days held a sense of freedom and honesty that is no longer present


Joyous free in flame and life
Feeling alive, immersed in experiencing every moment to the fullest


Then sooth was mine
Everything felt tranquil and peaceful, a time of calm


Sad am I, glad am I
Feeling a mixture of emotions, both happy and sad


For today I'm dreamin' of yesterdays
Longing for the past, reminiscing about people, places and events that are no longer present




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JEROME KERN, OTTO HARBACH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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