Yesterday
Marianne Faithfull Lyrics
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All my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they're here to stay
Oh, I believe in yesterday
Suddenly
I'm not half the one I used to be
There's a shadow hanging over meOh, yesterday came suddenly
Why he had to go
I don't know, he 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
Why he had to go
I don't know, he 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
Hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm, hmm
Yesterday
In Marianne Faithfull's song "Yesterday", the lyrics revolve around themes of nostalgia and the yearning for youthful love and romance. Through the use of contrasting imagery, the song paints a picture of a time in the past that was full of joy and freedom, represented by phrases such as "golden days" and "joyous, free and flaming life". The singer longs for those happy, sweet days that are now gone, reminiscing about the "mad romance and love" that was once a part of their life.
The repeated lines "then truth was mine" and "for today I'm dreaming of yesterdays" suggest a sense of disappointment and longing for a time when things were simpler and more honest. Juxtaposed with these wistful memories, the singer acknowledges both their sadness and their gladness, perhaps suggesting that even though the past is gone, the emotions it evokes are still worth feeling.
Overall, "Yesterday" is a powerful and poignant tribute to the joys and sorrows of youth, and the bittersweet nostalgia that can come with remembering the past.
- "Yesterday" was written by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach for the Broadway musical "Roberta" in 1933.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, and Elvis Presley.
- Marianne Faithfull's version was released on her 2002 album "Blazing Away".
- Faithfull has cited Kern as one of her favorite composers, and has recorded several of his songs over the course of her career.
- The song's lyrics have been interpreted as a reflection on lost love and the passage of time.
- In particular, the phrase "yesterdays" is often used as a shorthand for memories of happy times that are now gone.
- The melody of "Yesterday" is widely considered a classic example of Kern's songwriting style, characterized by its memorable and emotive themes.
- The song has been used in several films and TV shows, including (fittingly) an episode of the "Mad Men" TV series set in the 1960s.
- Faithfull's version of the song features a stripped-down arrangement, with just piano and vocals.
- In recent years, Faithfull has continued to perform and record music, and has been praised for her distinctive voice and commitment to her craft.
Chords (key of C):
Verse: C - A7 - Dm - G7
Chorus: C - G7 - C - G7 - E7 - Am - D7 - G7
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterdays, yesterdays
Reflecting on the past and the times that have passed by.
Days I knew as happy, sweet, sequestered days
Days that were once peaceful, content and away from the chaos of the current reality.
Olden days, golden days
Fondly recalling the times that were once filled with splendor, joy and happiness.
Days of mad romance and love
Days of wild passion and love which brought happiness and excitement.
Then, gay youth was mine
Recalling the time when life was carefree, enjoyable and youthful.
Truth was mine
The time when life felt truthful, honest, and without deception.
Joyous, free and flaming life
Life was filled with happiness, liberty and was meaningful and memorable.
Then, truth was mine
At that time, life was full of clarity, honesty and sincerity.
Sad am I, glad am I
Feeling both sad and happy at the same time while reminiscing about the past.
For today I'm dreaming of
Presently feeling nostalgic about the memories of the past.
Yesterdays
A final reference to the past that holds so many precious memories.
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MOBSofontario3488
Hearing this now, given the fact that the news is she died, is a poignant reminder of the artists and music we had, were the best of our season on earth. We are so blessed collectively, that we have shared a part of our time with Marianne Faithfull, and others. 🇨🇦🍂🍁
@kerryevans1562
True
Forgotten Gem
So long Marianne
Slàn Abhaile
As we say here in Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪
You were way ahead of your time ...
La Grande Dame of Rock and roll 👌...
We will miss you.
@madmeister407
RIP Marianne, you had such a beautiful voice.
@Info24de
🕊🖤🙏
@jasonprocter5307
RIP Marianne voice of an angel
@robbeverley5594
I am now 82 but I still love Marianne Faithfull with all my heart
@jerrylyons9279
i'm 90 and love her also.
@Info24de
R.I.P. 🕊🖤🙏
I'm 70 and she was my first great love. As a boy, I would have slaughtered my piggy bank for a kiss from her.
Hope I see you then, Marianne. I have you very deep in my heart.
@jacqueston5389
Yesterday... Tonight I'm crying like a child. RIP Marianne.