Perhaps the most widely performed and beloved pop song of all time, The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” has captivated listeners since its release in 1965. Understanding the songs meaning isn’t as mysterious as some other Beatles tunes. Most agree the lyrics tell a story of lost love and longing. Paul McCartney’s creative process and how he wrote the song is JUST as amazing as the song itself.
Here at Song Detectives, it’s unanimous, Sir Paul is the GOAT.
With its beautiful melody and musical arrangement, the song “Yesterday” truly stands out among The Beatles’ catalog. Not only does it offer insight into a tumultuous relationship, but it also showcases the iconoclastic talent of Paul McCartney.
Paul wrote Yesterday in a dream
McCartney dreamed the melody for ‘Yesterday.’ Upon waking up at the Wimpole Street home of his then-girlfriend, Jane Asher, he rushed to the piano and played the tune to preserve it in his memory.
Initially, he called the song ‘Scrambled Eggs’ as a placeholder. The placeholder lyrics for the opening line were:
“Scrambled eggs/Oh my baby how I love your legs/Not as much as I love scrambled eggs”
He suspected he subconsciously stole the melody from another song, and so for weeks he went around humming it and asking friends if they’d heard it before. After unsuccessfully finding any similar tune, he proceeded with “Yesterday”.
After months of writing and rewriting, the song evolved to be the story of a break-up. The melancholy crooner is longing for the times when he and his love were together, before she left because of something he said. The song is credited to Lennon-McCartney, but John Lennon played no part in creating the song.
Renowned Beatles’ producer George Martin played a crucial role in the arrangement of “Yesterday.” It was George Martin who suggested adding a string quartet to the song, to elevate its emotional depth. The orchestration brought a unique touch to the song, setting it apart from the Beatles’ earlier works.
When it was time to record, McCartney took on the task alone, making him the only Beatle on the track. This rare move resulted in a timeless piece that remains a high point in the Beatles’ career, becoming their most-covered song.
Lyrical Analysis
Metaphorical Interpretations
“Yesterday” by The Beatles is often interpreted as a song about a failed romance, in which the singer reflects on his past happiness and the sudden loss of a romantic relationship. The lyrics describe the transition from a melancholy “today” to a nostalgic “yesterday,” showing how quickly joy can turn to sorrow. The vocalist speaks of love and its troubles, expressing a sense of longing for what once was.
In the lyrics, the singer also talks about how his lover’s departure casts a shadow over his life. This metaphor emphasizes the darkness and grief that fill his existence after the end of the relationship. The nostalgia for the past further highlights the contrast between the happiness he once experienced and his current state of despair.
Musical Composition and Arrangement
Role of Select Instruments
The melody is written in the key of G major. The singer reminisces about the time when he and his love were together before their separation due to something he said.
The arrangement of this song is unique, as Paul McCartney is the only member of The Beatles to appear on the track. Unlike many other Beatles songs that feature a full band setup, “Yesterday” mainly focuses on the use of an acoustic guitar which McCartney plays himself, providing an intimate atmosphere to the music.
One of the key elements in the musical composition is the addition of a string quartet. The string quartet, arranged by producer George Martin at EMI, comprises two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Set in 4/4 time, the time signature gives the song a steady rhythm that drives the melody and allows McCartney’s heartfelt vocals to soar over the arrangement.
Recording and Release History
“Yesterday” was recorded at the famous Abbey Road Studios in June 1965. The track features only Paul McCartney, who played the guitar and sang the vocals. It was a departure from the group’s usual recording process, as the rest of the band decided they had nothing to add to the song. Due to its simplicity, the recording was finished in just two takes.
The song was first released as part of The Beatles’ fifth studio album, Help! in August 1965. However, its release as a single varied by country. In the United States, it was issued as a single in September 1965, where it climbed to the number one position on the charts. In the United Kingdom, it appeared on the EP “Yesterday” in March 1966.
Interestingly, “Yesterday” was initially banned in Portugal due to a censorship ruling over its “mysterious” lyrics. Fortunately, this ban was lifted shortly after, allowing the song to be enjoyed worldwide. Following its widespread release, “Yesterday” gained immense popularity, leading to its inclusion in The Beatles’ US album “Yesterday and Today” in June 1966.
From its simple beginnings at Abbey Road Studios to its chart-topping success, “Yesterday” remains one of The Beatles’ most iconic tracks. Its unforgettable tune and poignant lyrics continue to resonate with people around the globe, securing its enduring legacy in music history.
Critical Reception and Achievements
Reception by Fellow Musicians
“Yesterday” is often considered one of the greatest Beatles songs of all time. Fellow musicians have praised this classic for its timeless melody and lyrics. Over the years, it has inspired countless artists to create their own renditions of the song, making “Yesterday” the most covered pop song in history, with over 3,000 versions recorded, according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Inclusion in Popular Culture
The impact of “Yesterday” extends beyond the music world, as this classic song has made its way into various aspects of popular culture. For instance, BMI, a music publishing company, reported in 1999 that “Yesterday” was one of the songs with the most radio plays, although “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” has since surpassed it.
The success of “Yesterday”has been acknowledged by the Grammy Awards and has received the Ivor Novello Award, which recognizes exceptional songwriting and composition.
Cover Versions and Adaptions
Most Noteworthy Covers
Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, The Supremes, and Marvin Gaye are among the notable musicians who have expressed their admiration for “Yesterday” through their renditions. Ray Charles lent his soulful voice to the song, while Frank Sinatra’s crooning version showcased his signature style. The Supremes delivered a smooth, harmonious adaptation, and Marvin Gaye expressed the song’s melancholy through his rich, emotive vocals.
International Versions
“Yesterday” has transcended national boundaries and language barriers to become a universally admired song. Musicians from all corners of the globe have covered the song, not only showcasing its timeless appeal but also highlighting the versatility of the melody and lyrics.
Various international adaptations include performances in languages such as Spanish, Italian, French, and Japanese. Each version connects with listeners from diverse cultures, reinforcing the Beatles’ incredible capacity to evoke emotions through their music.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on Future Beatles’ Work
“Yesterday” was a huge milestone for The Beatles, serving as a pivotal moment in their career. The ballad-like approach of the song marked an important shift in their writing, paving the way for more emotional and introspective tracks like “Let It Be” in their future work. This change of direction greatly influenced the way they continued to evolve and push the boundaries of popular music.
Additionally, the song’s success helped establish Paul McCartney as a prominent songwriter, capable of creating beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. His contributions as a composer would only continue to grow in importance throughout the band’s career.
Shift in Pop Music Narrative
Before “Yesterday,” pop music was primarily focused on upbeat, catchy tunes with simple, easy-to-relate-to themes. However, The Beatles’ powerful emotional message in “Yesterday” introduced an entirely new depth to pop music. This change in narrative opened the doors for future artists to create more introspective tracks, exploring deeper feelings of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability.
Artists like Boyz II Men, En Vogue, and Linkin Park would eventually follow in The Beatles’ footsteps, experimenting with their own emotional stories in their music. “Yesterday” also earned the title of the most-covered song in history, being adapted and performed by countless artists in various genres, further cementing its impact on the music industry.
The Beatles’ “Yesterday” not only had a lasting impact on the band’s work but also revolutionized the pop music landscape as a whole. And it’s clearly the best song about yesterday ever written.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired Paul McCartney to write Yesterday?
Paul McCartney was inspired to write “Yesterday” after waking up with the melody in his head while filming The Beatles’ movie Help! He believed that the song fell out of his head and onto the piano keys quite literally in a dream.
What is the significance of the lyrics in Yesterday?
The lyrics in “Yesterday” convey a sense of sudden loss and nostalgia, as the singer realizes that his happiness with a lover has quickly transformed into a distant memory. The phrase “yesterday came suddenly” reflects how quickly that happiness turned into a past experience.
How did Yesterday’s composition contribute to its success?
“Yesterday” became a timeless hit due in part to its simple, yet effective composition. The catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics made the song relatable and memorable for listeners. Its unique sound also helped distinguish it among other popular songs of the time.
Which instruments were used in the recording of Yesterday?
The primary instrument used in the recording of “Yesterday” is the acoustic guitar, played by McCartney himself. Accompanied by a string quartet, the song’s minimalistic arrangement enhanced its emotional resonance and contributed to its enduring appeal.
What makes Yesterday stand out among other Beatles songs?
“Yesterday” stands out among other Beatles songs for several reasons, including its completely solo performance by Paul McCartney, its departure from the band’s typical rock and roll sound, and its appearance in pop culture as one of the Beatles’ most recognizable and beloved tracks.
Are there any notable cover versions of Yesterday?
“Yesterday” is the most covered pop song of all time, with over 3,000 versions recorded according to The Guinness Book Of World Records. Some notable artists who have covered the song include Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Marvin Gaye, showcasing the song’s timeless appeal and versatility across various genres and generations.
