Meaning of "Yesterdays" by Ella Fitzgerald

"Yesterdays" by Ella Fitzgerald reflects on the nostalgic yearning for the joyful and free days of youth, filled with love and passion, which are now a distant memory. The repetition of phrases like "Then gay youth was mine" and "The truth was mine" emphasizes the sense of ownership and purity felt during that bygone era. The contrast between the vibrant descriptions of the past and the melancholy acceptance of the present creates a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of memories. The wistful tone conveys a sense of longing for a time when life felt more alive and full of possibilities, touching on universal themes of youth, love, and longing for lost moments that can never be recaptured.