Meaning of "Yesterday's Papers" by The Rolling Stones

The lyrics of "Yesterday's Papers" convey a message about the importance of letting go of the past and embracing change. The repetition of the phrase "Who wants yesterday's papers" emphasizes the idea that holding onto outdated things, whether it be a relationship or old news, is pointless and stagnating. The line "After all this, what have I achieved, I've realized it's time to leave" suggests a moment of self-reflection and the realization that dwelling on the past only leads to pain and no progress. The song implies that living a life of constant change, like turning the page of a book, is necessary for growth and avoiding being stuck in the same mistakes.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of the abundance of choices and opportunities in the world. The line "Seems very hard to have just one girl when there's a million in the world" suggests a temptation to explore multiple relationships instead of committing to one person. The mention of "all of these people just can't wait to fall right into their big mistake" implies that rushing into relationships without considering the consequences is a common human flaw.

Overall, "Yesterday's Papers" portrays a sense of disillusionment and the desire to leave behind the mistakes and pain of the past. It urges listeners to embrace change and avoid clinging to outdated relationships or situations. The song serves as a reminder that by letting go of the past, one can move forward and find new experiences and opportunities.