Yesterdays
Timeless Echoes: Nostalgic Reflections in Billie Holiday's 'Yesterdays'
Lyrics
Yesterdays, yesterdays
Reflecting on the past, emphasizing the theme of nostalgia.
Days I knew as happy sweet
Recalling days that were known for happiness and sweetness.
Sequestered days
Describing days that were secluded or set apart from the present.
Olden days, golden days
Referring to the old days as both ancient and precious.
Days of mad romance and love
Remembering days characterized by intense romance and love.
Then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Recalling a time of carefree, joyful youth and a genuine connection with truth.
Joyous free in flame and life
Describing a period marked by exuberance, freedom, and vitality.
Then sooth was mine
Highlighting the tranquility and comfort experienced during that time.
Sad am I, glad am I
Expressing a mix of emotions—sadness for the present and gladness for the memories.
For today I'm dreamin' of yesterdays
Indicating a yearning for the past, dreaming of the happiness of yesteryears.
Yesterdays, yesterdays
Repeating the theme of looking back on happy and sweet days.
Days I knew as happy sweet
Reiterating the idea of days characterized by joy and sweetness.
Sequestered days
Emphasizing the seclusion or privacy of those remembered days.
Olden days, golden days
Reaffirming the preciousness and antiquity of past golden days.
Days of mad romance and love
Recalling days filled with passionate romance and love.
For then gay youth was mine, truth was mine
Reiterating the themes of carefree youth and a connection with truth.
Joyous free in flame and life
Describing a time marked by joy, freedom, and the intensity of life.
Then sooth was mine
Reemphasizing the tranquility and comfort experienced during that time.
Sad am I, glad am I
Expressing mixed emotions, being both sad for the present and glad for the memories.
For today I'm dreamin' of yesterdays
Conveying a continued yearning for the happiness of yesteryears.
Yesterday
Concluding with a poignant emphasis on "yesterday," encapsulating the overarching theme of nostalgia.
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