Yesterday
Gerald Wilson And His Orchestra Lyrics

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
The singer reflects on a time when their problems seemed distant and insubstantial

Now it looks as though they're here to stay
The troubles the singer faces now appear to be persistent and entrenched

Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Despite the troubles of the present, the singer still finds solace and hope in the memory of a better time

Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be,
The weight of current problems has had a demoralizing effect on the artist, reducing their self-confidence and sense of identity

There's a shadow hanging over me.
The artist is weighed down by a dark and ominous feeling, possibly related to the unresolved problems they are facing

Oh, yesterday came suddenly.
The singer was caught off guard by the sudden onset of present troubles, which have upended their sense of security

Why she had to go I don't know she wouldn't say.
The singer is grappling with the unexplained departure of someone significant in their life, which has added to their problems and worries

I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday.
The artist blames themselves for the sudden departure and is filled with regret about the past

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play.
In the past, the artist's romantic relationships were uncomplicated and carefree

Now I need a place to hide away.
The artist is overwhelmed by their present situation and wishes to retreat from the world and its demands

Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Again, despite the difficulties of the present, the singer holds onto the memory and hope of a better time

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm
This is an interjection, possibly indicating a moment of emotional intensity or concentration on the artist's part