About The Song
Background
“Only Yesterday” is a classic pop song performed by the American music duo The Carpenters, consisting of siblings Karen and Richard Carpenter. Released in March 1975, it served as the lead single from their album “Horizon.” The song was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, two prolific songwriters who contributed to many of The Carpenters’ greatest hits.
With its lush orchestration, melodic hooks, and Karen Carpenter’s distinctive vocals, “Only Yesterday” quickly captivated audiences around the world. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and solidifying The Carpenters’ status as one of the most beloved acts of the 1970s.
Musical Style
“Only Yesterday” embodies the signature sound of The Carpenters, characterized by rich vocal harmonies, sophisticated arrangements, and a fusion of pop, soft rock, and easy listening elements. The song opens with a gentle piano intro, setting the stage for Karen Carpenter’s emotive delivery. As the song progresses, layers of instrumentation are gradually introduced, including strings, horns, and subtle percussion, creating a lush sonic landscape that complements the song’s nostalgic lyrics.
Richard Carpenter’s meticulous production is evident throughout the track, with each instrument and vocal line meticulously crafted to create a seamless and polished sound. The duo’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with orchestral arrangements is a defining feature of their music, and “Only Yesterday” is a prime example of their mastery in this regard.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Only Yesterday” reflect on the passage of time and the bittersweet memories of a past romance. The song’s protagonist reminisces about a love that once brought joy and happiness but has since become a distant memory. The opening lines set the nostalgic tone:
“After long enough of being alone Everyone must face their share of loneliness”
As the song unfolds, the protagonist reflects on the fleeting nature of love and the longing for a connection that has been lost to time:
“Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely You showed me the way to leave the past and all its tears behind me”
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
After long enough of being alone
Everyone must face their share of loneliness
In my own time, nobody knew
The pain I was goin’ through
And waitin’ was all my heart could do
Hope was all I had until you came
Maybe you can’t see how much you mean to me
You were the dawn breaking the night
The promise of mornin’ light
Filling the world surroundin’ me
When I hold you
Baby, baby, feels like maybe
Things will be all right
Baby, baby, your love’s made me
Free as a song, singin’ forever
Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely
You showed me the way to leave the past and all its tears behind me
Tomorrow maybe even brighter than today
Since I threw my sadness away
Only yesterday
I have found my home here in your arms
Nowhere else on earth I’d really rather be
Life waits for us, share it with me
The best is about to be
And so much is left for us to see
When I hold you
Baby, baby, feels like maybe
Things will be all right
Baby, baby, your love’s made me
Free as a song, singin’ forever
Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely
You showed me the way to leave the past and all its tears behind me
Tomorrow maybe even brighter than today
Since I threw my sadness away
Only yesterday (only yesterday, only yesterday)
Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely
You showed me the way to leave the past and all its tears behind me
