Yesterdays
Ella Fitzgerald & Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra Lyrics

The lyrics of "Yesterdays" by Ella Fitzgerald and Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra reflect on the nostalgic longing for the past and the power of music to transport us back to happy times. The song opens with the singer reminiscing about their youth, when they would eagerly listen to the radio, waiting for their favorite songs to play. Singing along to these songs brought them joy, and they fondly remember how these moments made them smile. Despite the time that has passed, the singer wonders where those happy times have gone. However, they find comfort in the fact that these beloved songs have returned, evoking the feelings of reconnecting with an old friend.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the timeless nature of these songs and their ability to illicit strong emotions. The repeated phrases of "sha-la-la-la," "wo-wo-wo," and "shing-a-ling-a-ling" represent the nostalgic and sentimental elements of the music. The singer remarks that these familiar tunes still shine brightly and sound just as fine as they did in the past. When the music reaches the part where a heartbreak is depicted, it can still deeply touch the listener, bringing back tears, just like it did before. The chorus captures the essence of the song's theme: the past can be revived through music, and it can evoke the same emotions as it did in yesteryears.

As the song continues, the lyrics reflect on the contrast between the present and the past. Looking back on how life used to be, the singer realizes that the good times they had in the past make the present seem somewhat sad in comparison. The singer acknowledges the significant changes that have occurred over time, epitomizing the bittersweet nature of nostalgia. It was the songs of love that held the singer's heart in the past, and they would sing along, absorbing every word. The melodies of those old songs still resonate deeply and continue to sound good, transporting the singer back in time and melting away the years in the process.

The final repetition of the chorus emphasizes the impact that music has on memory and emotions. The best memories of the past come back clearly to the singer's mind, some even bringing tears to their eyes. The closing lines reiterate the power of music to evoke the same emotions and sensations experienced before. By stating, "Just like before, it's yesterday once more," the song highlights the ability of music to transcend time and remind us of the joys and sorrows of our yesteryears.