Yesterday
Hathaway Donny Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
yesterday came suddenly
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
don'tcha know I believe in yesterday?
I believe in yesterday
Why she had to go, Lord, 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
umm-hmmm
Oh, I believe in yesterday
love was such an easy game to play
yeah.
In "Yesterday" by Donny Hathaway, the lyrics depict a deep sense of longing and sorrow for a past love. The song begins with the singer reflecting on a time when their troubles seemed distant and manageable. However, they realize that these troubles have become permanent and are no longer fleeting. Despite this realization, the singer still holds onto their belief in the past, in the way things used to be.
The second paragraph reveals a noticeable change in the singer's character. They feel diminished, as if only half the person they once were. There is a shadow weighing them down, symbolizing the emotional burden they are carrying. The mention of "suddenly" implies that this change happened unexpectedly and abruptly, adding to their sense of confusion and pain.
The third paragraph brings an element of mystery and unanswered questions. The singer wonders why their loved one left, longing for an explanation that was never given. They blame themselves, believing that they said something wrong which led to the departure. This creates a longing to go back in time, to reconcile with the past and return to a happier state of being.
The final paragraph reinforces the idea that love used to be effortless, described as an easy game to play. However, in the present moment, the singer seeks a place to hide away, possibly indicating a desire for solace and escape from the pain of their current reality. Despite their current struggles, they still believe in yesterday, holding onto the memories and idealized version of love they once experienced.
In interpreting these lyrics, it becomes clear that "Yesterday" is a heartfelt exploration of the pain and nostalgia associated with lost love. It conveys the longing to return to a time when love was effortless, as well as the confusion and self-blame that arises from an unexpected breakup. The use of imagery and emotions throughout the song evokes a sense of empathy and understanding for the singer's experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
In the past, all the difficulties I faced appeared distant and insignificant
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
However, it seems like these problems are now permanent and unavoidable
Oh, I believe in yesterday
I have faith in the happier times of the past
Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be
Out of nowhere, I feel like I've lost a significant part of myself
There's a shadow hanging over me
A dark and gloomy presence lingers around me
yesterday came suddenly
The past happiness vanished unexpectedly
Why she had to go I don't know, she wouldn't say
I am unsure of the reason why the person I cared about left without explanation
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday
I regret speaking in a hurtful way, and I yearn for the joyful moments of the past
Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
In the past, experiencing and expressing love was effortless and uncomplicated
Now I need a place to hide away
Currently, I seek refuge and solitude
Oh, I believe in yesterday
I still hold faith in the happier times of the past
don'tcha know I believe in yesterday?
Do you not understand that I truly believe in the past?
I believe in yesterday
My faith in the joyous moments of the past remains unwavering
Why she had to go, Lord, I don't know, she wouldn't say
I am uncertain why the person I loved left, and they did not provide any explanation
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday
My regretful words caused their departure, and now I yearn for the happier times of the past
Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play
In the past, experiencing and expressing love felt effortless and uncomplicated
Now I need a place to hide away
Currently, I seek refuge and solitude
Oh, I believe in yesterday
I still hold faith in the happier times of the past
umm-hmmm
A sound expressing nodding or agreement
Oh, I believe in yesterday
I still hold faith in the happier times of the past
love was such an easy game to play
Experiencing and expressing love used to be effortless and enjoyable
yeah.
An exclamation expressing affirmation or agreement
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tony Shepherd
So much soul and texture is demonstrated in this rendition. Easily an example of a cover that’s better than the original.
Poppie & The Stable
@Davi Luz Sodré No you can't. Although when blk people's are involved, ( generally speaking)) it's becomes a racist thing
Davi Luz Sodré
@Poppie & The Stable Exactly, I'm a huge Donny Hathaway fan but the beatles version is great as well, you cannot say its better than the original !
Poppie & The Stable
@tjh3427..I agree..But I don't think it's better..
Poppie & The Stable
..It's cool ..I don't think it better then the original
ScottMonster3141
Had no clue this guy even existed. Now I'm totally into his voice. Hands down, This is the best cover I've ever heard.
Lakeithia
Enjoy discovering his discography. You’re gonna be in love
Brown Sugar 🏝
Music 🎶 Lives forever ♾✌🏽♥️
Lena Hovanesian
The greatest male vocalist of all time. His talent was a gift from God to the world. His music kept my soul alive during some difficult times. Only God knows what Donny's music means to my heart.
Sin Ful The P
@Casey Walker I Love Stevie! He Was More Talented Than Donny. But, Vocally Donny Hathaway Was Vocally Better Than Stevie Wonder