Yesterdays
M.J.Q. Lyrics

, is a song by the Modern Jazz Quartet that wistfully reflects on days gone by. The opening repetition of the word "yesterdays" sets the tone for the melancholic nostalgia that permeates the entire song. The first verse sets the scene for the listener, describing the days that the singer looks back on fondly. These were the "happy, sweet" days of "mad romance and love" that were pure and unencumbered by the responsibilities and hardships of the present. The second verse contrasts these days with the present, where the singer is "dreamin' of yesterdays" and feels both sad and glad. The juxtaposition of these seemingly opposing emotions suggests that the singer is both mourning the loss of these happy times and cherishing the memories.

The lyrics of Yesterdays, with their focus on the fleeting nature of youth and love, are universal themes that many listeners can relate to. The music itself also reinforces this sense of longing and nostalgia, with a slow and mournful melody that is played in a minor key. One interesting aspect of the song is the use of repetition, which emphasizes the singer's sense of loss and longing. Another notable feature is the use of "gay" and "sooth" instead of "happy" and "truth," which gives the song an old-fashioned feel that is in keeping with its theme of looking back on the past.