Yesterday.

The lyrics of Paul McCartney's song Yesterday epitomize the subtle negativity which poisons rock songs.

"Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away.
Now it looks as though they're here to stay.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.

Suddenly, I'm not half the man I used to be.
There's a shadow hanging over me.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go?
I don't know, she wouldn't say.
I said something wrong.
Now I long for yesterday.

Yesterday love was such an easy game to play.
Now I need a place to hide away.
Oh, I believe in yesterday."

This melancholy poem of lost love and regret reflects negative themes which recur in rock music.


Photo Credit: "guerrilla" strategy Flickr via Compfight cc