Top 18 Songs About Yesterday, Ranked {2023}

There are so many solid songs about yesterday it’s crazy. However, as a child of the 90’s I’m partial to It’s so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday by Boyz II Men. I stopped short of ranking it #1 and you can probably guess why. What do you think is the BEST song about yesterday? Let us know if you agree or disagree with our rankings in the comments!

Iconic Songs About Yesterday

1. Yesterday by The Beatles

“Yesterday” by The Beatles is arguably one of the most famous songs about yesterday. Released in 1965, it has become a timeless classic that captures a sense of nostalgia and longing. As a listener, you’ll feel the melancholy in Paul McCartney’s voice as he reflects on the past, making it an emotional experience.

2. It’s so Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday by Boyz II Men

In their 1991 hit “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” Boyz II Men tap into the feelings of loss and separation. With their stunning harmonies, the R&B group expresses the pain of letting go of someone or something important in your life. The song’s heartfelt delivery draws you in, making it unforgettable.

3. Yesterday’s Wine by Willie Nelson

“Yesterday’s Wine” by Willie Nelson is a country classic from 1971. This melodic tune speaks to the passing of time and the acceptance of life’s changes. You can appreciate the introspective lyrics and calming melody, as well as the song’s underlying message of savoring past experiences and looking towards the future.

4. Yesterday When I Was Young by Matt Monro

Matt Monro’s “Yesterday When I Was Young” is a bittersweet ballad that captures the feeling of nostalgia for days gone by. This crooner’s smooth voice, combined with poignant lyrics, evokes a sense of wistfulness for the days of youth. The sincere sentiment of the song allows you to relate to the message and reflect on your own past.

5. Only Yesterday by Carpenters

The Carpenters’ 1975 song “Only Yesterday” is a pop ballad that showcases Karen Carpenter’s stunning vocals. The song tells the story of finding love and happiness after a period of sadness, and its heartfelt lyrics make it an endearing listening experience. You can easily connect to the emotion and vulnerability of this iconic tune.

6. Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday by Stevie Wonder

In “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday,” Stevie Wonder skillfully transports you back in time to relive cherished memories. Released in 1969, this soulful classic is driven by Wonder’s trademark harmonica style and melodic vocals. With its nostalgic reflection https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl_Axrry4AMon the past, this song is sure to resonate with you and evoke fond memories.

Other Notable Songs About Yesterday

7. Something Happened to Me Yesterday by The Rolling Stones

The song “Something Happened to Me Yesterday” by The Rolling Stones is a track from their 1967 album, “Between the Buttons.” While this song may be lesser-known compared to some of their other hits, it’s worth a listen to experience its unique production and storytelling style.

8. Yesterdays by Guns N’ Roses

In the rock genre, you’ll find “Yesterdays” by Guns N’ Roses, which appears on their 1991 album “Use Your Illusion II.” This track is a powerful reflection on facing the challenges of one’s past and moving forward in life.

9. Yesterday’s Songs by Neil Diamond

For a soft rock classic about reminiscing on lost love, turn to “Yesterday’s Songs” by Neil Diamond. The song, released in 1981, showcases Neil Diamond’s signature vocals and songwriting prowess.

10. Yesterday by Toni Braxton feat. Trey Songz

“Yesterday” is a soulful ballad performed by Toni Braxton and featuring Trey Songz. The 2009 song captures the emotion of a relationship that’s come to an end, stirring feelings of nostalgia and heartbreak.

11. Yesterday’s Song by Hunter Hayes

Country fans will enjoy “Yesterday’s Song” by Hunter Hayes. This upbeat, catchy tune showcases Hayes’s powerful vocals and youthful energy, making it a must-listen for those who appreciate the genre.

12. That Girl Belongs to Yesterday by Gene Pitney

If you’re looking for a pop gem from the 1960s, give “That Girl Belongs to Yesterday” by Gene Pitney a listen. This song, released in 1964, captures the emotional turmoil of a breakup with its poignant lyrics and powerful vocals.

13. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow by Mike and the Mechanics

“Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” by Mike and the Mechanics can be found on their 1999 album “M6.” The song is a deeply resonant track that delves into themes of reflection, regret, and hope for a better future.

14. Yesterday by Shanice

Rounding out this list is “Yesterday” by Shanice, a smooth R&B track from her 1994 album “21… Ways to Grow.” The song’s touching lyrics and heartfelt delivery make it a timeless choice for anyone seeking a song about yesterday.

Contemporary Songs About Yesterday

15. Yesterday by The Black Eyed Peas

“Yesterday” by The Black Eyed Peas is an ode to the group’s musical influences, discussing how the legendary artists of the past have inspired their own sounds. As you listen to the rhythmic beats and catchy lyrics, you’ll find yourself reflecting on the music that shaped your own history and acknowledging the significance of yesterday in shaping today’s music.

16. Today Is Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Michael Buble

In “Today Is Yesterday’s Tomorrow” by Michael Buble, the singer urges you to seize the day and make the most of each moment. This song highlights the passage of time and how yesterday’s dreams transform into today’s reality. The upbeat melody and positive message inspire you to focus on the potential of today, built upon the experiences of yesterday.

17. So Yesterday by Hilary Duff

Hilary Duff’s “So Yesterday” conveys a message of moving on from past heartbreak and looking forward to brighter days. The empowering lyrics and catchy pop-rock sound encourage you to let go of yesterday’s troubles and embrace the future with a newfound sense of resilience and confidence.

18. Holdin’ on to Yesterday by Ambrosia

In “Holdin’ on to Yesterday” by Ambrosia, the band sings about clinging to the memories of the past and the desire to keep those moments alive. The soulful melodies and introspective lyrics capture the struggle between moving forward and cherishing the memories that have shaped who you are today. As you listen to this classic rock ballad, take the time to remember your own yesterdays while embracing the opportunities that lay ahead.

Common Themes in Yesterday Songs

In yesterday songs, you’ll often notice the theme of memories coming up. Many of these songs focus on reminiscing about past experiences or relationships. For example, The Beatles’ classic “Yesterday” tells the story of a man reflecting on a lost love, while Hunter Hayes’ “Yesterday’s Song” discusses moving on from past memories. This theme allows the listener to connect with the emotions and experiences presented in the lyrics.

The lyrics in songs about yesterday often express a sense of longing, regret, or nostalgia. This can be found in tracks like Four Tops’ “Yesterday’s Dreams” and Stevie Wonder’s “Yester-Me, Yester-You, Yesterday.” These songs provide insight into feelings of longing for the past and the desire to go back to the way things used to be. This emotional connection can make yesterday songs relatable to many listeners.

The genre of yesterday songs can vary greatly, as the theme can be found in multiple music styles. For instance, Ambrosia’s soft rock ballad “Holdin’ on to Yesterday” and Mike and The Mechanics’ 90s hit “Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow” showcase the range of genres in which these songs can be created. Other notable examples include Matt Monro’s jazz-tinged “Yesterday When I Was Young” and John Paul Young’s disco-infused “Yesterday’s Hero.”

Here are some prominent yesterday songs with their respective genre:

In summary, yesterday songs revolve around themes such as memories, emotions, and nostalgia, which can be found in their lyrics and melodies. The genre of these songs may vary, but the common thread lies in their ability to evoke feelings of yearning for the past. As a listener, you can appreciate the emotional depth and artistic expression these songs offer, while connecting to their universal themes.

Curating Your Own List of Songs About Yesterday

As you begin curating your own list of songs about yesterday, start by considering songs from various genres and time periods. Exploring different musical styles will give you a diverse range of emotions and themes related to yesterday.

To make your list more organized, categorize the songs you select by:

• Genre
• Time period
• Subject matter

Here are a few suggestions of songs about yesterday to include in your list:

1. “Yesterday” by The Beatles
2. “Something Happened to Me Yesterday” by The Rolling Stones
3. “That Girl Belongs to Yesterday” by Gene Pitney
4. “Tomorrow Is Yesterday” by Powerman 5000

Feel free to explore other popular songs or lesser-known titles. Song-list websites like Ranker may be a helpful resource. Remember to keep an open mind and focus on the themes of yesterday, nostalgia, or longing for the past present in the songs.

Additionally, you can create a table to compile your curated list, including details about each song to make it easier to find and enjoy the tracks. For example:

By using this table format, you can easily update or rearrange your list to suit your preferences. Finally, share your curated list with friends and family, as it’s a great way to connect and reminisce about the past. Happy listening!