Yesterday When I Was Young
Nora Aunor Lyrics

Yesterday, when I was young.
In the past, when I was still young.

So many happy songs were waiting to be sung.
There were a lot of happy moments that I could have experienced.

So many wayward pleasures lay in store for me
There were a lot of things I could have indulged in.

And so much spring my dazzled eyes refused to see.
I was too busy and blinded to appreciate the little things in life.

The taste of life was sweet as rain upon my tongue.
Life was enjoyable and exciting for me.

I teased at life as if it were a foolish game.
I took life for granted and didn't see its value.

The way the evening breeze may tease a candle flame.
I was easily swayed by life's pleasures and distractions.

The thousand dreams I dreamed,
I had a lot of aspirations and goals.

The splendid things I planned
I had grand ambitions and ideas.

I always built, alas, on weak and shifting sand
Unfortunately, my plans and dreams were not grounded in reality or practicality.

I lived my life and shunned the naked light of day
I lived recklessly and didn't think about the consequences of my actions.

And only now I see how it is ran away.
Only after reflecting on my past do I realize how much I wasted my life.

I ran so fast that time and youth at last ran out
I was so caught up in living life that I didn't realize how quickly time passes.

I never stopped to think what life was all about
I was too preoccupied with temporary pleasures to consider the meaning and purpose of life.

And every conversation I can now recall
Looking back, I realize that all my conversations were self-centered.

Concerned itself with me, and nothing else at all.
I only thought about myself in every conversation and interaction.

Yesterday, the moon was blue
At that time, even the impossible seemed possible.

And every crazy day brought something new to do
Every day was an adventure filled with excitement and possibility.

I used my magic age as if it were a wand
I thought my youth could solve everything and that I was invincible.

And never saw the waste and emptiness beyond.
I didn't realize the futility and emptiness of my actions and choices.

The game of love I played with arrogance and pride
I thought I knew everything about love and acted arrogantly and proudly in my relationships.

And every flame I lit too quickly, quickly died,
I rushed into relationships and they all ended quickly and poorly.

The friends I made all seemed somehow to drift away
My friendships were superficial and temporary, and I ended up losing touch with many of them.

And only I am left on stage to end the play.
I am left alone to face the consequences of my past and my choices.

There are so many songs in me that won't be sung
I have so many regrets and unfulfilled dreams.

I feel the bitter taste of tears upon my tongue,
I am filled with sadness and regret.

The time has come for me to pay for yesterday
The time has come for me to face the consequences of my past actions.

... when I was young.
When I was young and foolish.