Meaning of "This Is Yesterday" by Manic Street Preachers

"This Is Yesterday" by Manic Street Preachers delves deep into themes of introspection, regret, and existential crisis. The lyrics paint a picture of a person grappling with the consequences of their actions, as well as the weight of time and its impact on their life. The line "The only way to gain approval is by exploiting the very thing that cheapens me" touches on the idea of sacrificing one's integrity in order to be accepted by society, highlighting the conflict between staying true to oneself and conforming to external expectations. The repeated reference to staring at the sky, feeling blinded, and closing one's eyes to the past signifies a desire to escape from the present, possibly out of a wish to forget or avoid facing reality. The imagery of houses in ruins and gardens overrun with weeds further emphasizes the decay and futility the speaker sees in the world around them. Ultimately, the song captures a sense of melancholy and a longing for a simpler, less complicated yesterday.