Yesterday When I Was Young
Elton John & Charles Aznavour Lyrics

Yesterday when I was young
Looking back at my youth, I see how much I've changed.

The taste of life was sweet as rain upon my tongue
Life was enjoyable, and everything seemed perfect.

I teased at life as if it were a foolish game
I never took life seriously and treated it like a game.

The way the evening breeze may tease a candle flame
Life was fragile and could be easily snuffed out, like a flame.

The thousand dreams I dreamed, the splendid things I planned
I had endless possibilities and aspirations for my future.

I always built, alas, on weak and shifting sand
I made plans without considering their feasibility or longevity.

I lived by night and shunned the naked light of day
I avoided responsibility and preferred a carefree lifestyle.

And only now I see how the years ran away
In retrospect, I realize how quickly time passes and how valuable it is.

So many drinking songs were waiting to be sung
There were many opportunities for fun and enjoyment.

So many wayward pleasures lay in store for me
There were many vices and indulgences I could partake in.

And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see
I ignored the potential consequences and pain that could come from my actions.

I ran so fast that time and youth at last ran out
I lived recklessly and didn't slow down to appreciate my youth or time.

I never stopped to think what life was all about
I never took the time to reflect on the true meaning and purpose of life.

And every conversation I can now recall
Looking back, I remember that every conversation was about me and my interests.

Concerned itself with me, and nothing else at all
Nobody seemed to care or be interested in anything besides me.

Yesterday the moon was blue
Looking back, everything seemed fantastical and surreal.

And every crazy day brought something new to do
There was always something exciting to do, and each day was unpredictable.

I used my magic age as if it were a wand
I believed that being young gave me a special power to achieve anything.

And never saw the waste and emptiness beyond
I was too focused on the present and didn't consider the long-term consequences of my actions.

The game of love I played with arrogance and pride
I was confident and proud of my ability to play the game of love.

And every flame I lit too quickly, quickly died
All my romantic relationships ended quickly and didn't last.

The friends I made all seemed somehow to drift away
All my friendships faded away over time, and I felt alone.

And only I am left on stage to end the play
I am the only one left to face the consequences of my actions and decisions.

There are so many songs in me that won't be sung
I have many regrets and unfulfilled dreams that I can't go back and change.

I feel the bitter taste of tears upon my tongue
I feel the sadness and regret of missed opportunities and unfulfilled dreams.

The time has come for me to pay for yesterday when I was young
I must face the consequences of my choices and actions from my past.