Don't look back
Them. Lyrics
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To the days of yesteryear
You cannot live on in the past
Don't look back
An' I've known so many people
They're still tryin' to live on in the past
Don't look back, whoa no-oh
If I could call back
All those days of yesteryear
I would never grow old
And I'd never be poor
But darlin', those days are gone
Oh, yeah
Stop dreaming
And live on in the future
But darlin', don't look back
Whoa, no-no
Don't look back
Whoa-whoa
"Don't Look Back" by Them is a soulful and reflective song that encapsulates themes of nostalgia and the bittersweet experience of growing up. The lyrics suggest that living in the past is a futile endeavor and can impede one's ability to move forward and make the most of the future. Instead, the song encourages listeners to embrace the present and focus on building a better future for themselves. This is a common theme in many coming-of-age songs, but "Don't Look Back" is particularly striking due to the poetic and introspective lyrics and Van Morrison's soulful delivery. The song embodies a timeless quality that has made it a classic in the decades since its release.
The song is also notable for the catchy guitar riffs and driving rhythm section. The combination creates a groovy and upbeat vibe that provides a satisfying contrast to the introspective lyrics. The catchy guitar riffs make the song perfect for dancing or singing along to, while still retaining its contemplative nature. Overall, "Don't Look Back" is a beautiful and poignant song that stands the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't look back
Don't dwell on the past, but instead focus on the present and future
To the days of yesteryear
Referring to past memories or experiences
You cannot live on in the past
It's impossible to continue living in the past; we must move forward
An' I've known so many people / They're still tryin' to live on in the past
Many people are still holding onto past memories, which prevents them from moving on and growing
If I could call back / All those days of yesteryear / I would never grow old / And I'd never be poor / But darlin', those days are gone / Oh, yeah
If given the chance, some may want to relive past experiences to avoid growing old and struggling financially. However, this is not possible and one must accept that the past is gone
Stop dreaming / And live on in the future
Instead of dreaming about the past, we must focus on creating a better future
But darlin', don't look back / Whoa, no-no / Don't look back
The refrain is a repeated reminder to avoid looking back on the past
Whoa-whoa
A vocalization used for emphasis or to express emotion
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTIAN EIGNER, DARYL PETER BAMONTE, FLORIAN KRAEMMER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind