Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.
He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and East Nashville Skyline. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O label in August 2005.
Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.
The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.
Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.
Snider's new album, Peace Queer, is set to be released on October 14th, 2008, and will be available as a free download from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 at http://www.toddsnider.net/store/product/1/Peace-Queer .
Yesterdays And Used To Be's
Todd Snider Lyrics
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From a long long time ago
Take my faded memory
To a place that I used to go
We used to fly like we had wings
When we were easier to please
I loved you and you loved me
Yesterdays and used to be's
With just a mattress on the floor
In that place where we used to stay
You made me feel like I was more
Than anything I've got today
We were kicking down all those doors
You were climbing up all those trees
Before we started keeping score
Yesterdays and used to be's
All I wanted was a little affection
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was a real connection
One chance to be true
Yesterdays and used to be's
From a long long time ago
Take my faded memory
To a place that I used to know
We were never without our doubts
I try to look back honestly
But I swear we could have walked on the clouds
Yesterdays and used to be's
When I loved you and you loved me
Yesterdays and used to be's
Used to be's
The lyrics of Todd Snider's song "Yesterdays and Used To Be's" resonate with nostalgia, longing and wistfulness. The phrase "Yesterdays and used to be's" itself signifies a yearning for the past, for times and experiences gone by that are now mere memories. The song speaks of a time when life was simpler, when love was pure, and when happiness seemed effortless. In the first stanza, the artist describes a place he used to go to with a loved one, flying "like we had wings" and loving each other "when we were easier to please". This suggests a time of carefree joy and an unburdened heart. The second stanza speaks of a place where the artist and his loved one used to stay - a simple mattress on the floor, where the singer was made to feel valued and cherished. The use of simple objects and terms, such as a mattress and doors, highlight the simplicity of those times, and how little they needed to be contented.
Line by Line Meaning
Yesterdays and used to be's
Reminiscing about memories and experiences from the past
From a long long time ago
Referring to distant memories from the past
Take my faded memory
Recalling a vague memory that has become less clear over time
To a place that I used to go
Nostalgic for a place from the past that held special meaning
We used to fly like we had wings
Recalling the carefree feeling of youth and exuberance
When we were easier to please
Remembering a time when it was simpler to find joy in life
I loved you and you loved me
Reflecting on a past romantic relationship
With just a mattress on the floor
Recalling simpler times when they did not have many possessions
In that place where we used to stay
Nostalgic for a specific location where they spent time in the past
You made me feel like I was more
Remembering feeling valued and appreciated by a former partner
Than anything I've got today
Comparing current possessions to qualities of the past relationship
We were kicking down all those doors
Feeling empowered and invincible in the past
You were climbing up all those trees
Remembering having fun and excitement in nature
Before we started keeping score
Recalling a time before the stress of adult responsibilities
All I wanted was a little affection
Desiring emotional intimacy and attention
All I wanted was you
Expressing love or longing for a specific person
All I wanted was a real connection
Craving a deeper and more meaningful relationship
One chance to be true
Desiring the opportunity to be genuine and honest in a relationship
We were never without our doubts
Acknowledging that even in the past, there were challenges and uncertainties
I try to look back honestly
Making a conscious effort to recall memories and feelings objectively
But I swear we could have walked on the clouds
Feeling that their past relationship was full of happiness and unbridled optimism
Used to be's
Shortened version of 'used to be,' emphasizing the idea of the past
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TODD SNIDER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind