Sent for You Yesterday
Jools Holland Lyrics
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Don't the moon look lonesome shining through the tree
Don't your arms look lonesome when your baby's packed to leave
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today, today,
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today
If you can't do better, might as well just stay away
The lyrics in the song "Sent for You Yesterday" by Jools Holland and His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra depicts a somber sentiment of loneliness and heartbreak. The opening line, "Don't the moon look lonesome shining through the tree," describes how the moon, a common symbol of romance and love, can also represent the feeling of isolation when one is alone. The following line, "Don't your arms look lonesome when your baby's packed to leave," continues with the theme of lonely and sorrow, evoking the image of a person left behind by someone they love.
The chorus of the song, "Sent for you yesterday, here you come today, today, sent for you yesterday, here you come today, if you can't do better, might as well just stay away," carries a tone of frustration and disappointment. The repetition of "sent for you yesterday, here you come today" highlights a sense of unreliable people who show up too late. The final part, "if you can't do better, might as well just stay away," conveys the idea that it is better to be alone than be with someone who causes pain.
Overall, "Sent for You Yesterday" describes the feeling of being left behind and the pain that comes with it. The lyrics paint a picture of the heavy weight of loneliness and the disappointment of false promises of those who come too late.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't the moon look lonesome shining through the tree
The sight of the solitary moon, casting its light amidst the tree branches, evokes a sense of loneliness and isolation.
Don't your arms look lonesome when your baby's packed to leave
The physical manifestation of loneliness can be seen in the way one's arms hang listlessly when their loved one is leaving them.
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today, today,
Although the person was requested to be present yesterday, they have only arrived today.
Sent for you yesterday, here you come today
The tardiness of one's arrival implies a lack of respect for the requested timeframe.
If you can't do better, might as well just stay away
If a person cannot offer improvement or contribute positively, it is better for them to avoid coming altogether.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COUNT BASIE, EDDIE DURHAM, JAMES RUSHING, JAMES ANDREW RUSHING, WILLIAM COUNT BASIE
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