Meaning of "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday" by Stevie Wonder

In "Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday," Stevie Wonder reflects on a seemingly idealized past and laments the loss of love and innocence. The lyrics nostalgically ask what happened to the world they once knew, where dreams and schemes used to occupy their time. Wonder speaks of a time when life felt vibrant and love felt genuine, with two young people obediently following the rules. However, he realizes that their dreams and love were merely an illusion, a cruel and foolish game they used to play. The song suggests that the past was a place of happiness and contentment, but in hindsight, it may have been nothing more than a facade. The repetition of "yester-me, yester-you, yesterday" highlights the longing for a bygone era and the desire to relive the past. Despite this longing, Wonder acknowledges the futility of dwelling on what once was and expresses a sense of being lost and sad in the present. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a message of accepting the transience of love and the passage of time, urging listeners to look forward rather than clinging to the past.