About the song
“Yesterday When I Was Young” is a poignant and reflective song originally recorded by American singer Roy Clark in 1969. This song features music by French composer Georges Garvarentz and English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. It is an English version of the French song “Hier encore,” which was written and performed by Charles Aznavour in 1964. Both the English and French versions have become significant hits, showcasing the song’s universal appeal and emotional depth.
The English lyrics of “Yesterday When I Was Young” convey the introspective thoughts of a person nearing the end of their life. The narrator looks back on their past, reflecting on how they squandered their youth in the pursuit of fleeting pleasures. As they face their later years, they lament the missed opportunities and the unfulfilled dreams. This powerful message resonates with many, capturing the essence of regret and the passage of time.
Roy Clark’s rendition of the song became one of his most notable hits, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in August 1969. It also achieved significant success in Canada, where it ranked 7th on the pop chart, 2nd on the country chart, and 1st on the Adult Contemporary chart. Clark’s performance is remembered for its emotional depth and sincerity, making it a standout track in his career. Notably, Clark performed this song at the funeral of baseball legend Mickey Mantle in 1995, honoring Mantle’s wish.
The song’s impact extends beyond Clark’s version. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Bing Crosby, Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield, and Julio Iglesias, among others. Each artist brings their own unique style to the song, demonstrating its versatility and enduring relevance. The song has been translated into various languages, further solidifying its international popularity.
In 2001, Amanda Lear included a cover of “Yesterday When I Was Young” on her album *Heart*, and in 2020, Willie Nelson released a version on his album *First Rose of Spring*. The song’s influence continues to be felt across different genres and decades, a testament to its timeless appeal.
Video
Lyrics
Yesterday, when I was young
The taste of life was sweet like rain upon my tongue
I teased at life as if it were a foolish game
The way an evening breeze would tease a candle flame
The thousand dreams I dreamed, the splendid things I planned
I always built to last on weak and shifting sand
I lived by night and shunned, the naked light of day
And only now, I see how the years have run away
Yesterday, when I was young
There were so many songs that waited to be sung
So many wild pleasures that lay in store for me
And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see
I ran so fast that time, and youth at last ran out
And I never stopped to think what life was all about
And every conversation that I can recall
Concerned itself with me, and nothing else at all
Yesterday, the moon was blue
And every crazy day brought something new to do
And I used my magic age as if it were a wand
I never saw the waste and emptiness beyond
The game of love I played with arrogance and pride
And every flame I lit, so quickly, quickly died
The friends I made all seemed somehow to drift away
And only I am left on stage to end the play
Yesterday, when I was young
There were so many songs that waited to be sung
So many wild pleasures that lay in store for me
And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see
There are so many songs in me that won’t be sung
‘Cause I feel the bitter taste of tears upon my tongue
And the time has come for me to pay for yesterday
When I was young