Karen Carpenter's calm, often somber voice was the most distinctive element of their music, settling in perfectly amidst the precise, lush arrangements provided by her brother Richard. The duo's sound drew more from pre-rock pop than rock & roll, but that didn't prevent the Carpenters from appealing to a variety of audiences, particularly Top 40, easy listening, and adult contemporary. While their popularity declined during the latter half of the '70s, they remained one of the most distinctive and recognizable acts the decade produced.
The Carpenters formed in the late '60s in Downey, CA, after their family moved from their native New Haven, CT. Richard had played piano with a cocktail jazz trio in a handful of local Connecticut nightclubs. Once the family had moved to California, he began to study piano while he supported Karen in a trio that featured Wes Jacobs (tuba/bass). With Jacobs and Richard forming her backup band, Karen was signed to the local Californian record label Magic Lamp, who released two unsuccessful singles by the singer. The trio won a Battle of the Bands contest at the Hollywood Bowl in 1966, which led to a record contract with RCA. Signing under the name The Richard Carpenter Trio, the group cut four songs that were never released. Jacobs left the band at the beginning of 1968.
Following Jacobs' departure, the siblings formed Spectrum with Richard's college friend John Bettis. Spectrum fell apart by the end of the year, but the Carpenters continued performing as a duo. The pair recorded some demos at the house of Los Angeles session musician Joe Osborn; the tape was directed toward Herb Alpert, the head of A&M Records, who signed the duo to his record label in early 1969.
Offering, the Carpenters' first album, was released in November 1969. Neither Offering or the accompanying single, a cover of the Beatles' "Ticket to Ride," made a big impression. However, the Carpenters' fortunes changed with their second single, a version of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "(They Long to Be) Close to You." Taken from the album Close to You, the single became the group's first number one, spending four weeks on the top of the U.S. charts. "Close to You" became an international hit, beginning a five-year period where the duo was one of the most popular recording acts in the world. During that period the Carpenters won two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist of 1970, and had an impressive string of Top Ten hits, including "Rainy Days and Mondays," "Superstar," "Hurting Each Other," "Goodbye to Love," "Yesterday Once More," and "Top of the World."
After 1975's number-four hit "Only Yesterday," the group's popularity began to decline. For the latter half of the '70s, the duo were plagued by personal problems. Richard had become addicted to prescription drugs; in 1978, he entered a recovery clinic, kicking his habit. Karen, meanwhile, became afflicted with anorexia nervosa, a disease she suffered from for the rest of her life. On top of their health problems, the group's singles had stopped reaching the Top Ten and by 1978, they weren't even reaching the Top 40. Consequently, Karen decided to pursue a solo career, recording a solo album in 1979 with Phil Ramone. The record was not completed at that time (though it would be released in 1996), and she returned to the Carpenters later that year. The reunited duo released their last album of new material, Made in America, in 1981. The album marked a commercial comeback, as "Touch Me When We're Dancing" made it to number 16 on the charts. However, Karen's health continued to decline, forcing the duo out of the spotlight. On February 4, 1983, Karen was found unconscious at her parents' home in Downey; she died in the hospital shortly after due to cardiac arrest, which was later due to the strain on her heart caused by years of crash dieting caused by anorexia nervosa.
After Karen's death, Richard Carpenter concentrated on production work and assembling various compilations of the Carpenters' recorded work. In 1987, he released a solo album called Time, which featured guest appearances by Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
from http://music.msn.com/artist/?artist=1607403&contenttype=artistsongs
Leave Yesterday Behind
Carpenters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Becomes a magic show
Before your very eyes
And all the sounds of life
Begin to harmonize
You hear a song of hope
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of a brand new kind of world
Unlock your mind
Unwind and follow me
Come let me help you see
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
We should be together
When we're this close we're bound to work it out somehow
We found a dream to share
Don't lose it now
Just let my song of love
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of a brand new kind of world
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
You know I love you
(Love you)
Come let me show you
(show you)
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
The song "Leave Yesterday Behind" by the Carpenters is an uplifting ballad, with a message of hope and new beginnings. In the lyrics, the morning sunrise is depicted as a "magic show", where everyday life becomes harmonious, and a song of hope surrounds your senses. The song encourages one to let go of the past, to lose their defenses and unlock their mind, to move toward a better future. The verses go on to speak of how the love between two people can endure if they work together; they should not lose their dreams and let the song of love surround their senses, leading them towards a new and better world. The chorus repeats the message of the song, calling on the listener to come and let the singer show them how to find the way to leave yesterday behind.
The lyrics of Leave Yesterday Behind heavily rely on a message of hope and new beginnings. The scent of freedom provided by the morning's sunrise reflects new possibilities if the listener can allow themselves to let go of their pains and worries. As with many of the Carpenters' songs, "Leave Yesterday Behind" is about love and staying strong together, even when things may seem rocky or uncertain. The song encourages the listener to let love and music surround their senses and lead them towards happiness and peace of mind. Many interpret the lyrics to be about exploring the mysteries of the world together, looking at it and experiencing it as one.
Line by Line Meaning
When the morning sunrise
A new day has begun with endless possibilities
Becomes a magic show
The world is filled with amazement and wonder
Before your very eyes
Right in front of you, an opportunity presents itself
And all the sounds of life
The natural rhythm of life in harmony
Begin to harmonize
Everything is coming together
You hear a song of hope
A message of optimism and possibility is calling out to you
Surround your senses
Embrace this moment fully
And feel the promise of a brand new kind of world
The future holds endless potential
Lose your defenses
Let go of fear and doubt
Unlock your mind
Open yourself up to new ideas and experiences
Unwind and follow me
Relax and trust me to guide you
Come let me help you see
Let me show you a different perspective
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
Discover a new path and move forward with confidence
We should be together
We are stronger when we work as a team
When we're this close we're bound to work it out somehow
We are capable of overcoming any obstacle as long as we stick together
We found a dream to share
We have a common goal that unites us
Don't lose it now
Don't give up on our dream
Just let my song of love
Allow my message of love and support to uplift you
You know I love you
You are important to me and I care deeply for you
(Love you)
(I love you)
Come let me show you
Join me on this journey
(show you)
(I will guide you)
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
Together, we will discover a new path forward and let go of the past
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Fred Karlin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Paradise
00:30
"Leave Yesterday Behind"
When the morning sunrise
Becomes a magic show
Before your very eyes
And all the sounds of life
Begin to harmonize
00:52
You hear a song of hope
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of a brand new kind of world
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
Unwind and follow me
Come let me help you see
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
We should be together
when we're this close we're bound to work it out somehow
We found a dream to share
Don't lose it now
Just let my song of love
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of a brand new kind of world
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
You know I love you
(Love you)
Come let me show you
(show you)
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
Evelyn6825
When the morning sunrise
Becomes a magic show
Before your very eyes
And all the sounds of life
Begin to harmonize
You hear a song of hope
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of a brand new kind of world
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
Unwind and follow me
Come let me help you see
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
We should be together
when we're this close we're bound to work it out somehow
We found a dream to share
Don't lose it now
Just let my song of love
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of a brand new kind of world
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
You know I love you
(Love you)
Come let me show you
(show you)
How to find the way to leave yesterday behind
Paulo Guimaraes Ferreira
When the morning sunrise
Becomes a magic show
Before your very eyes
And all the sounds of life
Begin to harmonize
You hear a song of hope
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of
A brand new kind of world
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
Unwind and follow me
Come let me help you see
How to find the way
To leave yesterday behind
We should be together
When we're this close
We're bound to work it out somehow
We found a dream to share
Don't lose it now
Just let my song of love
Surround your senses
And feel the promise of
A brand new kind of world
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
You know I love you
Come let me show you
How to find the way
To leave yesterday behind
Lose your defenses
Unlock your mind
You know I love you
Come let me show you
How to find the way
To leave yesterday behind
Just find the way
Yesterday behind
Read more: The Carpenters - Leave Yesterday Behind Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Noctis F
This song has a profound message about realizing you're worthy of love and a peaceful life. A lot of people come to believe, because of self-image, because of the past, that they don't have anything to offer. If a quality person comes into your life, challenge yourself to accept their love. How you see yourself is often not how others see you. You can learn to unlock your mind.
Donna C
Love the Carpenters! They are truly timeless and a blessing to this world. Karen did have a voice that was electrifying. Wish she had lived longer and brought us more wonderful music with her brother, Richard.
Emil Maurice
Is there anyone more perfect to sing over Richard's arrangements? His music is the vehicle, while Karen's voice is the captain that guides you to that special place that is unique to everyone.
Truly a beautiful duo. Thanks for uploading.
Scott X
Damn right !!! 💫
Ayrton Macainan
The only voice and song that has the power of lessening my anger at all the assholes of this world.Thanks to the soothing voice of this Angel named -Karen Carpenter.
ChildOfThe1970s
I agree. I'd been so angry at certain people lately and I tuned in to Karen's voice to help lift that off my shoulders. God works in mysterious ways.
caramelcigar
Couldn't agree with you more. That's what was going on in my mind recently.
Chaplain Dave Sparks
"Illegitimus non carborundum!"
Marty Howe
Oh that's funny!. You might not be a Christian, but in the Bible, "an evil spirit was sent from God" upon king Saul, and the only way it was abated was when David (future king) played the harp - kinda like Karen's voice!
Scott Compton
She was a beautiful, unique, angelic, awe-inspiring, prodigy of life and music and we were so blessed by God to have her amongst us in our time!