Meaning of "Yesterday" by Perry Como

The lyrics of "Yesterday" by Perry Como convey feelings of loss, regret, and longing for the past. The narrator is grappling with the abrupt departure of a loved one, and they are left clueless about the reason behind it. This lack of closure adds to their emotional turmoil. The line "I said something wrong" reveals their self-doubt and introspection, as they blame themselves for the dissolution of the relationship. The repetition of the phrase "Now I long for yesterday" emphasizes their yearning for the past and a simpler time when they were still together.

The use of the word "yesterday" serves as a metaphor for a time when everything was better and troubles seemed distant and surmountable. The narrator acknowledges their belief in this idealized version of the past, where love was an easy game to play. It suggests a nostalgia for the simplicity and joy of the relationship before it crumbled. The contrast between the past and the present is captured in the line "Now it looks as though they're here to stay," indicating that the troubles and heartache of the current situation are overwhelming and inescapable.

The song also explores the narrator's sense of identity and self-worth in the aftermath of the breakup. They feel diminished and incomplete without the person who left, singing, "Suddenly ... I'm not half the man I used to be." The shadow hanging over them symbolizes the weight of their emotional burden, casting a darkness on their present existence.

Overall, the lyrics of "Yesterday" convey the universal experience of heartbreak and the longing for a lost love. The song captures the pain, confusion, and yearning that often accompany the end of a relationship. It serves as a reminder that sometimes looking back on the past can become a coping mechanism, especially when faced with the difficulties of moving forward.