About the song
*“Yesterday Once More” is more than just a nostalgic pop ballad; it’s a sonic time capsule that encapsulates the innocence and longing of youth. Released in 1973 as part of The Carpenters’ album Now & Then, this track, penned by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, struck a universal chord with listeners of all ages.
The song’s narrative is simple yet profound: a reflection on childhood memories, triggered by the sound of familiar tunes. The lyrics paint vivid images of a younger self, lost in the melodies of the radio. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply, as music often serves as a powerful tool for transporting us back to specific moments in time.
What truly sets “Yesterday Once More” apart is its emotional depth. Karen Carpenter’s ethereal vocals, combined with Richard’s lush orchestrations, create a rich and evocative soundscape. The song’s arrangement is meticulously crafted, with every instrument and vocal harmony contributing to its overall impact. The result is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences today.
The song’s commercial success is a testament to its quality. It climbed to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Easy Listening chart, solidifying The Carpenters’ position as one of the most popular music acts of the 1970s. While tracks like “Close to You” and “We’ve Only Just Begun” may be more synonymous with the duo, “Yesterday Once More” stands as their best-selling single.
Beyond its commercial success, “Yesterday Once More” holds a special place in the hearts of fans and critics alike. Richard Carpenter himself has expressed a particular fondness for this track, highlighting its personal significance. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of nostalgia, memory, and the power of music.*
Video
Lyrics
When I was young
I’d listen to the radio
Waitin’ for my favorite songs
When they played I’d sing along
It made me smile.
Those were such happy times
And not so long ago
How I wondered where they’d gone
But they’re back again
Just like a long lost friend
All the songs I loved so well.
Every Sha-la-la-la
Every Wo-o-wo-o
Still shines
Every shing-a-ling-a-ling
That they’re startin’ to sing’s
So fine.
When they get to the part
Where he’s breakin’ her heart
It can really make me cry
Just like before
It’s yesterday once more.
Lookin’ back on how it was
In years gone by
And the good times that I had
Makes today seem rather sad
So much has changed.
It was songs of love that
I would sing to then
And I’d memorize each word
Those old melodies
Still sound so good to me
As they melt the years away.
Every Sha-la-la-la
Every Wo-o-wo-o
Still shines
Every shing-a-ling-a-ling
That they’re startin’ to sing’s
So fine.
All my best memories
Come back clearly to me
Some can even make me cry.
Just like before
It’s yesterday once more.
qwerty