About the Song
Only Yesterday is a song by American pop duo The Carpenters, released in March 1975 as the lead single from their album Now & Then. The song was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, and it is one of the Carpenters’ most popular and enduring songs.
Only Yesterday is a ballad with a gentle, melancholic sound. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who is reminiscing about her childhood and the simpler times of her youth. She remembers playing in the park, riding her bike, and spending time with her family. She also remembers her first love, and the heartbreak she felt when he left her.
The song’s chorus is particularly poignant:
“Only yesterday, it seems like yesterday I was young and carefree, and my heart was full of glee Only yesterday, it seems like yesterday I was happy as can be, and I didn’t have a care in the world”
Only Yesterday was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It was also a hit in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The song has been covered by many other artists, including Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Dionne Warwick.
Only Yesterday is a beautiful and evocative song that has resonated with listeners of all ages. It is a song about the passage of time, the loss of innocence, and the importance of cherishing our memories. It is a song that is both sad and hopeful, and it is a reminder that even in the midst of change, there is always something to be grateful for.
The Carpenters
The Carpenters were an American pop duo consisting of siblings Richard and Karen Carpenter. They are one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 100 million records sold worldwide. The Carpenters are known for their soft, harmonious sound and their gentle, introspective lyrics.
The Carpenters were born in Downey, California, in the early 1950s. They began singing together as children, and they started performing professionally in the late 1960s. The Carpenters’ breakthrough came in 1970 with the release of their single “(They Long to Be) Close to You”, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The duo went on to have several other hit singles, including “We’ve Only Just Begun”, “Superstar”, and “Please Mr. Postman”.
Karen Carpenter died in 1983 from anorexia nervosa, at the age of 32. Richard Carpenter has continued to perform and record music under the Carpenters name, and he has also released several solo albums.
Conclusion
Only Yesterday is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and moving song about the passage of time, the loss of innocence, and the importance of cherishing our memories. Only Yesterday is a testament to the talent of The Carpenters, one of the most popular and enduring pop duos of all time.
Additional Information
- Only Yesterday was featured in the 1976 film A Star Is Born.
- Only Yesterday was covered by Celine Dion on her 1999 album Let’s Talk About Love.
- Only Yesterday was sampled by rapper Jay-Z on his 2002 song Song Cry.