All That Was Good Happened YESTERDAY. Now That's a Sad Song.

"I believe in yesterday…" Clearly I'm not the only one who believes "Yesterday," by Sir Paul McCartney, is one of the greatest sad songs ever written. Many feel it is the top pop song, period, sad or otherwise. (Many statisticians who track such things list it as the most covered song of all time.)

With the Viet Nam war raising its ugly head, angst was the middle name of many a young student. When kids first heard "Yesterday" on the radio, they trotted out and bought the 45(rpm) and listened over and over to the lilting melody, the delicate string passes and heartfelt delivery of McCartney as he searched for a place to hide away.


When someone leaves your life without telling you why or saying goodbye, truly that is the harshest hit of all.

Now, I ask you, what could be sadder than thinking that all the good that has ever happened or will happen to you has happened "yesterday"

The song lyric delicately searches with a decidedly European sensibility as melancholy pervades the melody. More than speaking to a single tragic loss or event, "Yesterday" speaks to a state of mind which offers little hope.

By contrast, in her uniquely American way, Scarlett O'Hara utters those memorable lines, "After all, tomorrow is another day," at the close of Gone With the Wind. That hook line would have been a dandy title for the song on the flip side of the "Yesterday" '45. ("Act Naturally" by Ringo is on the flip side.)

I offer no judgement on which attitude serves one best in life. Looking to tomorrow is hopeful, but too often leads to expedience and tearing down of the past; remembering the best of yesterday, although sad at times, fosters reverence for beauty, art and lessons learned.

Perhaps it's best to remember that a wee bit of both is the right blend in the teapot. I expect Sir Paul is having a cuppa' right now. Cheers, Sir Paul and thanks for a great song.