About the song
Background on Neil Diamond’s “Yesterday’s Songs”
“Yesterday’s Songs” was released in 1981 on Neil Diamond’s album of the same name. It became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.
The song itself doesn’t have a documented specific story behind it, but it fits within the broader themes of Diamond’s work.
Themes in “Yesterday’s Songs”
Here are some of the key themes explored in the song:
- Enduring Love: The lyrics emphasize that love transcends time. “Yesterday is but a dream / But the truth always remains / And the good things always remain / I love you” – This message of love’s lasting power is a common thread in Diamond’s music.
- Reflective Nostalgia: Looking back on the past with a mix of fondness and melancholy. “Yesterday’s songs / They linger on my tongue / Like half-forgotten dreams” – The song acknowledges the passage of time and the fading memories of the past.
- Appreciation for the Past: Despite the passage of time, the narrator cherishes the memories and experiences of the past. “They’re whispers of the days / That used to be / And how they come alive / When I sing them back to thee” – The song suggests that these memories continue to hold value and meaning.
- The Power of Music: The song itself highlights the power of music to evoke memories and emotions. “Yesterday’s songs / They linger on my tongue” – Music serves as a bridge between the past and present.
Overall, “Yesterday’s Songs” is a reflective ballad that explores themes of love, nostalgia, and the enduring power of music.
Video
Lyrics
Saying I love you(Saying I love you now baby)Just Saying I love you(Saying I love you now baby)Yesterday’s Songs don’t stay around long, not much anymore(Yesterday’s Songs are gone)Yesterday’s words don’t make themselves heard, Like they did before(yesterday’s words are gone)Baby yesterdays blues, maybe yesterday’s newsBut the truth always stays the sameAnd the good things will never changeLike saying I love you, (saying I love you now baby)Just saying I love you, (saying I love you now baby)Yesterday’s Songs don’t seem to belong, There here and there gone(Yesterday’s Songs are gone)Yesterday’s moves, don’t stay in the groovie, they keep moving on(yesterday’s groovies are gone)Baby yesterday’s rhyme was for yesterday’s time
Like saying I love you (saying I love you now baby)Saying I love you (saying I love you baby)Baby yesterday’s blues baby yesterday’s newsBut the truth always stays the sameAnd the good things will never changeLike saying I love you (saying I love you now baby)Saying I love you (saying I love you now baby)Saying I love you (saying I love you now baby)Like saying I love you