Tjader (pronounced "chay-der") primarily played the vibraphone. He was also accomplished on the drums, bongos, congas, timpani, and the piano. He worked with numerous musicians from several cultures. He is often linked to the development of Latin rock and acid jazz. Although fusing jazz with Latin music is often categorized as "Latin jazz" (or, earlier, "Afro-Cuban jazz"), Tjader's output swung freely between both styles.
Yesterdays
Cal Tjader Lyrics
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Days I knew as happy
Sweet sequester days
Olden days, golden days
Days of mad romance and love
Then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Joyous free and flaming life
Sad am I, glad am I
For today I'm dreaming of yesterdays
Yesterdays, yesterdays
Days I knew as happy
Sweet sequester days
Olden days, golden days
Days of mad romance and love
Then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Joyous free and flaming life
Forsooth, was mine
Sad am I, glad am I
For today I'm dreaming of yesterdays
Yesterdays, yesterdays
Days I knew as happy
Sweet sequester days
Olden days, golden days
Days of mad romance and love
Then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Joyous free and flaming life
Forsooth, was mine
Sad am I, glad am I
For today I'm dreaming of yesterdays
Yesterdays
Cal Tjader's song "Yesterdays" is a nostalgic tribute to the past, reflecting on the sweet and romantic memories of days gone by. Tjader uses the repetition of "yesterdays" to emphasize the passage of time and the longing for what has been lost. The lyrics describe the singer's past life as one of joyous freedom and love, but he is now sad because he is dreaming of those happier times. The contrast between the past and the present is highlighted by the use of the past tense in the first half of each verse and the present tense in the second half, perhaps indicating that the past is more vivid than the present.
The use of the words "sequester" and "forsooth" lend the song an old-fashioned, poetic quality that adds to the nostalgic tone. The singer's lament that he is "sad am I, glad am I" suggests that his memories of the past are bittersweet, imbued with both happiness and sorrow. Overall, "Yesterdays" is a poignant reminder that time waits for no one and that we must cherish the moments that we have.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterdays, yesterdays
Reflecting on the days that have passed, the yesterdays. Repeat to emphasize the longing.
Days I knew as happy
The days remembered from the past were marked by happiness and contentment.
Sweet sequester days
The past was characterized by a peaceful and isolated existence.
Olden days, golden days
The past was a time of great beauty and prosperity.
Days of mad romance and love
The past was filled with passionate love and romance.
Then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
During the time the artist is reflecting on, there was a freedom to experience life to the fullest and a sense of honesty and authenticity in one's actions and beliefs.
Joyous free and flaming life
The youth of the artist was marked by exuberance and passion.
Forsooth, was mine
Indeed, these experiences and feelings belonged to the artist.
Sad am I, glad am I
There is a simultaneous sense of sadness and happiness in the artist's reflection on the past.
For today I'm dreaming of yesterdays
The artist is currently longing for the past, wishing to relive those happier times again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JEROME KERN, OTTO HARBACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind