Peter Ind (born July 20, 1928, in Middlesex) is a British jazz double-bassi… Read Full Bio ↴Peter Ind (born July 20, 1928, in Middlesex) is a British jazz double-bassist and record producer.

Ind began playing professionally in the late 1940s, including being part of the 'house band' on the ship Queen Mary from 1949 to 1951. He relocated to New York City in 1951, where he played with Lennie Tristano, Lee Konitz (1954-57), Buddy Rich, Booker Ervin, Mal Waldron, and Slim Gaillard. He also branched into production at this time, and was a pioneer in stereo recording and overdubbing of jazz music in the 1950s. He produced sessions in his loft for Zoot Sims, Gerry Mulligan, and Booker Little. He founded his own label at the end of the 1950s, where he released the album Looking Out, featuring Joe Puma and Dick Scott. In addition to his own endeavors, he worked in sound engineering for the labels Atlantic, Verve, Bethlehem, and Warwick.

In 1963 Ind moved to Big Sur, California, where he remained until 1966. At this time he concentrated on performing unaccompanied, and recorded several albums of solo material. In 1965 he played with Konitz and Warne Marsh. Following this he returned to England, but continued to play with Marsh and Konitz into the 1970s.

In 1984 Ind opened a nightclub in London, the Bass Clef; after several successful years, the club had to close for tax reasons. He has continued to write, issue CDs and perform internationally; his book JazzVisions explores the legacy of Tristano. His website is at wavejazz.com

Yesterdays
Peter Ind Lyrics

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Yesterdays
Yesterdays
Days I knew, and happy sweet yesterdays
Oh the days, golden days
Days of mad romance
And love for them
This is mine

For then truth was mine
Joyous and flaming life for was mine
Glad am I sad am I
For today I'm dreaming of
Yesterdays
Yesterdays

Oh then gay youth was mine
For then truth was mine
Joyous free and flaming life
For soon was mine
Glad am I
Sad am I
For today I'm dreaming of

Yeterdays
Yesterdays

Yesterdays
Yesterdays

Overall Meaning

The song "Yesterdays" by Peter Ind explores the theme of nostalgia and longing for the past. The repetition of the word "Yesterdays" at the beginning of each stanza emphasizes the focus on reflecting on previous days. The lyrics evoke a sense of fondness and happiness associated with the past.

In the first stanza, the singer reminisces about the "days of mad romance" and the love that was once theirs. These memories are described as "golden days," indicating their special and cherished nature. The phrase "this is mine" suggests a possessive attachment to these memories, as if they hold onto them dearly.

The second stanza elaborates on the notion of truth and the heightened state of life that the singer experienced in the past. The phrase "joyous and flaming life" reveals the intensity and vibrancy of their earlier days. There is a sense of joy and freedom that seems to have diminished over time. The contrasting feelings of gladness and sadness reflect the bittersweet nature of reminiscing about "yesterdays."

The third stanza adds a layer of youthful energy to the lyrics. The mention of "gay youth" symbolizes a time of carefree happiness and adventure. The repetition of the phrase "for then truth was mine" possibly emphasizes how the singer had a firm grasp on their own authenticity and happiness during that time. The use of "flaming life" suggests a passionate and vibrant existence.

In the final stanza, the repetition of the word "yesterdays" becomes a expressive chant. It signifies a deep longing for the past and a yearning to relive or recapture the happiness experienced during those days. The combination of joy and sadness illustrates the emotional complexity of longing for a time that is gone.

Overall, Peter Ind's "Yesterdays" portrays a wistful reflection on the past, emphasizing the golden moments of love, truth, and joy that were once cherished. It evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time when life seemed more vibrant and carefree.

YesterdaysPeter Ind Lyrics

Yesterdays
Peter Ind Lyrics