Carmen Mercedes McRae (April 8, 1920 – November 10, 1994) was an American j… Read Full Bio ↴Carmen Mercedes McRae (April 8, 1920 – November 10, 1994) was an American jazz singer, composer, pianist, and actress. Considered one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th Century, it was her behind-the-beat phrasing and her ironic interpretations of song lyrics that made her memorable.[1] McRae drew inspiration from Billie Holiday, but established her own distinctive voice. She went on to record over 60 albums during her career, and enjoying a rich musical career, performing and recording in the United States, Europe, and Japan.

Yesterdays
McRae Carmen Lyrics

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Yesterdays
Yesterdays
Days I knew as happy sweet
Sequestered days
Olden days
Golden days
Days of mad romance and love
Then gay youth was mine

And truth was mine
Joyous free and flaming life
Forsooth was mine
Sad am I
Glad am I
For today I'm dreaming of
Of yesterdays
Then gay youth was mine
The truth was mine
Sad am I
Glad am I

For today I'm dreaming of
Of yesterdays

Overall Meaning

The song "Yesterdays" by Carmen McRae is a beautiful and nostalgic melody that speaks about past memories and love. The song describes the joyous and carefree days of youth, a time filled with love and passion, that are now gone. The lyrics reflect on the happy and sweet memories of yesterday, in comparison to today, where the singer is left sad and nostalgic. The use of repetition in the chorus, where the word "yesterdays" is repeated, reinforces the theme of reminiscing and dwelling on the past.

The song also presents a contrast between the past and the present, where the singer is left to accept the transient nature of youth and love. The lyrics emphasize the dichotomy between the "truth" and "flaming life" of youth, and the melancholy of present times. The use of emotive language, such as "joyous," "free," and "flaming," evoke the feelings associated with the past, while "sad" and "glad" reflect the singer's emotions in the present. The song is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and love, and the inevitability of change.

Line by Line Meaning

Yesterdays
Reflecting on previous days

Yesterdays
Continuing to think of previous days

Days I knew as happy sweet
Days of pure happiness that were cherished

Sequestered days
Days that were isolated and protected from the present

Olden days
Days from the past

Golden days
Days that were perfect

Days of mad romance and love
Days full of passion and love

Then gay youth was mine
In the past, I was young and carefree

And truth was mine
I knew the truth about myself and my situation

Joyous free and flaming life
My life was full of excitement and passion

Forsooth was mine
In truth, I was happy

Sad am I
Although I am sad now

Glad am I
I am also grateful for those memories

For today I'm dreaming of
My mind is occupied with thoughts of

Of yesterdays
The past and the memories associated with it

Then gay youth was mine
I was once young and carefree

The truth was mine
I knew the truth of my situation

Sad am I
Although I am sad now

Glad am I
I am also grateful for those memories

For today I'm dreaming of
My mind is focused heavily on

Of yesterdays
The past and the memories associated with it

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: JEROME KERN, OTTO HARBACH

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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