Yesterday Once More (song)
"Yesterday Once More" is a popular song by the American soft rock duo The Carpenters. It was released in 1973 as part of their album Now & Then. The song is a nostalgic reflection on the past and the power of music to evoke memories. Written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, it became one of The Carpenters' signature tunes and a major international hit, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard Easy Listening chart and peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song's narrative centers around the act of listening to old songs on the radio and the memories they bring back. The lyrics express a yearning for simpler times and a sense of connection to the past through music. The melody is considered classic Carpenters, characterized by Richard Carpenter's arrangement and Karen Carpenter's distinctive vocals.
"Yesterday Once More" is notable for its use of a medley within the song. The main body of the song frames several shorter, pastiche versions of early rock and roll songs, meant to represent the type of music the narrator is listening to on the radio. This medley adds to the nostalgic feel of the song.
The song has been covered by numerous artists across various genres. Its enduring popularity reflects its universal themes of nostalgia, memory, and the enduring power of music.