About the song
Glen Campbell’s rendition of “Yesterday, When I Was Young” was featured on his 1969 album titled “Glen Campbell Live.” The album captured Campbell’s live performances and showcased his emotive vocals and skillful guitar playing, highlighting his ability to connect deeply with the song’s lyrical content.
The song itself explores the narrator’s reflections on their past, reminiscing about youthful indiscretions, dreams, and regrets. Campbell’s interpretation infuses the lyrics with a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, resonating with listeners who appreciate its introspective themes and universal appeal.
Upon its release, Campbell’s version of “Yesterday, When I Was Young” received critical acclaim and charted on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing its popularity among listeners. The song’s heartfelt portrayal of life’s fleeting moments and the wisdom gained through experience struck a chord with audiences, contributing to its enduring legacy.
Throughout his career, Glen Campbell distinguished himself as a versatile artist capable of interpreting a wide range of musical genres and emotions. His rendition of “Yesterday, When I Was Young” stands as a testament to his ability to convey profound themes through his distinctive voice and musical interpretation.
In summary, “Yesterday, When I Was Young” by Glen Campbell remains a timeless ballad that continues to captivate listeners with its poignant lyrics and emotive melody. Campbell’s rendition remains a cherished part of his discography, celebrated for its introspective depth and heartfelt delivery that transcends generations.
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Lyrics
Yesterday, when I was young
The taste of life was sweet like rain upon my tongue
I teased at life as if it were a foolish game
The way an evening breeze would tease a candle flame
The thousand dreams I dreamed, the splendid things I planned
I always built to last on weak and shifting sand
I lived by night and shunned, the naked light of day
And only now, I see how the years have run away
Yesterday, when I was young
There were so many songs that waited to be sung
So many wild pleasures that lay in store for me
And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see
I ran so fast that time, and youth at last ran out
And I never stopped to think what life was all about
And every conversation that I can recall
Concerned itself with me, and nothing else at all
Yesterday, the moon was blue
And every crazy day brought something new to do
And I used my magic age as if it were a wand
I never saw the waste and emptiness beyond
The game of love I played with arrogance and pride
And every flame I lit, so quickly, quickly died
The friends I made all seemed somehow to drift away
And only I am left on stage to end the play
Yesterday, when I was young
There were so many songs that waited to be sung
So many wild pleasures that lay in store for me
And so much pain my dazzled eyes refused to see
There are so many songs in me that won’t be sung
‘Cause I feel the bitter taste of tears upon my tongue
And the time has come for me to pay for yesterday
When I was young