Johnny recorded as a member of the 1980's southern rock band The Johnny Van Zant Band which released albums in 1980, 1981 and 1982. The band shortened its name to Van Zant for the release of its fourth album in 1985, the eponymous Van Zant, which saw some chart success with "You've Got to Believe in Love" and "I'm a Fighter". However, this band was not the same as the current version of Van Zant and did not include brother Donnie.
Johnny released another album under his full name in 1990, but spent most of his time in that period singing for the Lynyrd Skynyrd reunion group. He joined up with Donnie, and they revived the Van Zant name to release an album in 1998, which led to a follow up album in 2001. They have also released two albums to the country music format: 2005's Get Right with the Man and 2007's My Kind of Country. Overall, the group has had two singles on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks charts (the prior incarnation of Van Zant also had two), and six on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.
That Was Yesterday
Van Zant Lyrics
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You said it, but didn't really mean it
One too many times
If I'd been looking
I would have seen it comin'
Could have saved myself some time
But that don't make it right
You're just giving me another reason
To look you in the eye and say
That was yesterday
Oh it took a while, but I'm finding my way
That was yesterday
Oh baby you can say you love me all you can
I'm afraid you got the wrong man
Oh you got the wrong man
You had it, and I need it
More than just your time
You played it, and I bought it
But you would've hurt in time
Slowly but surely
You drove me out of my mind
But it's my turn baby
So don't be surprised
When you hear me sayin'
That was yesterday
Oh it took a while, but I'm finding my way
That was yesterday
Oh baby you can say you love me all you can
I'm afraid you got the wrong man
Oh you got the wrong man
Oh the wrong man
That was yesterday
That was yesterday
Oh it took a while, but I'm finding my way (hear me saying)
That was yesterday
Oh baby you can say you love me all you can
I'm afraid you got the wrong man
Oh you got the wrong man
That was yesterday
That was yesterday
That was yesterday
(That was yesterday)
Oh you got the wrong man
(That was yesterday)
You had it, and I need it, more than just your time
(That was yesterday)
That was yesterday
Van Zant's song "That Was Yesterday" is a powerful representation of a past relationship that did not work out despite the singer's best efforts. The song is a regretful reflection on the singer's feelings and emotions, as he struggles to come to terms with the fact that he was once in love with someone who ultimately did not love him back. The song's first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer acknowledging that his partner "said it, but didn't really mean it," and that he "would have seen it coming" if he had been more aware of the situation. He then goes on to say that "this time it's different," but that doesn't make it right, essentially acknowledging his partner's mistakes but still feeling the hurt caused by them.
As the song goes on, the singer begins to find his voice and own his truth. He acknowledges that his partner had something he needed, but that it was ultimately more than just her time. He played into her game, but he realizes now that it was never going to work out in the long run. He sings, "But it's my turn baby, So don't be surprised, When you hear me saying, That was yesterday," a powerful statement of his desire to move on and leave the past behind.
Overall, "That Was Yesterday" is a song about growth, self-acceptance, and letting go of past relationships that did not work out. Its lyrics are heartfelt and relatable, and it strikes a chord with many listeners who have experienced similar situations.
Line by Line Meaning
You said it, but didn't really mean it
You spoke empty words too often
One too many times
The frequency with which you spoke such words was excessive
If I'd been looking
If I had paid closer attention
I would have seen it comin'
I would have realized the inevitable outcome
Could have saved myself some time
I could have avoided wasting my time
You say this time it's different
You make a claim that this instance has distinct qualities
But that don't make it right
However, that does not justify your actions
You're just giving me another reason
You are furnishing me with additional cause
To look you in the eye and say
To confront you directly
That was yesterday
I am no longer beholden to your past promises and behavior
Oh it took a while, but I'm finding my way
It has taken me some time, but I am discovering my path forward
Oh baby you can say you love me all you can
You may express affection frequently
I'm afraid you got the wrong man
However, I am not the recipient of those feelings
You had it, and I need it
You possessed something valuable and I require it
More than just your time
My need transcends a mere allocation of moments
You played it, and I bought it
You manipulated me into believing your words and actions
But you would've hurt in time
Yet, your true harmful intentions would have revealed themselves
Slowly but surely
Over a period of time
You drove me out of my mind
You caused me to become overwhelmed with frustration and anxiety
But it's my turn baby
However, now it is my moment to take control
So don't be surprised
Do not be shocked
When you hear me sayin'
When I utter aloud
Oh you got the wrong man
You have directed your attention towards the wrong person
Oh the wrong man
It is clear that your affections are misplaced
That was yesterday
Your past actions and words no longer hold power over me
You had it, and I need it, more than just your time
What you possess is essential to me, and surpasses a mere allotment of minutes
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: PAT N BUCHANAN, ROBERT WHITE JOHNSON, DONALD 'DONNIE' N VAN ZANT, JOHNNY ROY N VAN ZANT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@christianeigard1951
World Class, Love everything The incredible gifted Van Zant Brothers accomplish!! 🙏❤️
@gatienvalli9507
great song