Meaning of "Yesterday" by Eva Cassidy

The lyrics of "Yesterday" delve into themes of loss, regret, and longing for a past love. The song begins by expressing how once, all the troubles seemed distant and insignificant, but now the protagonist is desperately searching for a place to hide from the pain. The line "Oh, I believe in yesterday" suggests that the protagonist finds solace in reminiscing about the past, clinging to the memories and familiarity of a love that has now slipped away. The lyrics further emphasize the impact of this loss, as the protagonist feels like only half of the person they used to be, haunted by a lingering shadow. The repetition of "yesterday" throughout the lyrics signifies the longing to return to a time when love was effortless and the pain of the present was nonexistent. The second verse echoes the sentiments and questions the reasons for the loved one's departure, highlighting the uncertainty and lack of closure. The protagonist acknowledges their own mistakes, admitting to saying some things wrong, adding to the feeling of regret. Despite this, there is a persistent yearning for the simplicity of the past, emphasizing that love was once an easy game to play. The need for a place to hide away symbolizes the desire to escape from the present reality and retreat into the comforting memories of love. The final line, "Oh, I believe in yesterday," reinforces the belief that the past holds the answers and the key to healing the present heartache.