Yesterdays
Chet Atkins Lyrics
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Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Suddenly I'm not half the man I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly
I don't know, she wouldn't say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday
Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Why'd she have to go?
I don't know, she wouldn't say
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday
Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
Now I need a place to hide away
Oh, I believe in yesterday
In Chet Atkins's song "Yesterdays," the lyrics evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for a lost love. The singer reflects on how their troubles once seemed distant in the past, but now they have become a constant presence in their life. The line "Oh, I believe in yesterday" suggests that the singer relies on their memories of a happier time to cope with their current reality.
The second verse reveals that the singer feels diminished compared to their past self, as if a shadow has fallen over them. The suddenness of this change is emphasized by the repetition of the word "suddenly." The lyrics convey a deep sense of confusion and pain as the singer grapples with the reasons for their loved one's departure. They express regret for potentially saying something wrong that led to the relationship's demise.
The chorus repeats the sentiment of longing for the past, emphasizing the ease and simplicity of love in "yesterday." The singer expresses a desire to find a place to hide away, suggesting a need for solace and escape from their current emotional turmoil. The final repetition of "Oh, I believe in yesterday" reinforces the singer's reliance on memories as a source of comfort and hope.
Overall, "Yesterdays" depicts the universal experience of heartache and the longing for a past love. The lyrics encapsulate the pain of losing someone and the yearning for the simpler, happier times that have since passed.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
In the past, all the problems I faced appeared distant and insignificant
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
However, now it seems like these issues are permanent and won't go away
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Despite the present difficulties, I still hold onto the past and its positive memories
Suddenly I'm not half the man I used to be
Unexpectedly, I feel like I have lost a significant part of my identity and confidence
There's a shadow hanging over me
A gloomy presence or feeling constantly surrounds and affects me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly
That feeling of loss and change came upon me abruptly and without warning
Why she had to go
I question why she had to leave or depart from my life
I don't know, she wouldn't say
I am clueless as to why she left because she refused to provide a reason
I said something wrong
I recognize that I made a mistake in my words or actions
Now I long for yesterday
Now, I deeply desire to experience the past once again and escape from the present
Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
In the past, love was a simple and enjoyable experience that required minimal effort
Now I need a place to hide away
Now, I desperately seek a refuge or safe haven to escape from the current circumstances
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Despite everything, I continue to have faith in the past and its positive influence
Why'd she have to go?
Why did she have to leave? I question and struggle with her departure
I don't know, she wouldn't say
She refused to provide any explanation or communicate her reasons for leaving
I said something wrong
I acknowledge that I made an error in my words or actions
Now I long for yesterday
Now, I strongly yearn to return to the past and escape the present difficulties
Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
In the past, love was a simple and effortless challenge to conquer
Now I need a place to hide away
Now, I require a location to retreat and shield myself from the current tough times
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Despite the hardships, I maintain my belief in the power and significance of the past
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind