About the song
“Only Yesterday,” a poignant ballad recorded by The Carpenters, stands as a testament to their enduring musical legacy. Released on March 14, 1975, the song quickly ascended the charts, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing the top spot on the Adult Contemporary charts—marking The Carpenters’ eleventh number one on the AC charts.
Composed by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis, “Only Yesterday” captivated listeners with its infectious beat and Karen Carpenter’s mesmerizing vocals, which Cash Box described as “dulcet” and noted for their multi-tracked resonance over a dynamic arrangement. This combination ensured the song’s enduring popularity, becoming a staple on radio playlists and a favorite among fans of the duo.
The music video for “Only Yesterday” features intimate footage of Karen and Richard Carpenter in the studio, capturing their creative process and showcasing Karen’s exceptional vocal delivery. The video transitions beautifully, from studio scenes to serene outdoor settings such as the Huntington Library Gardens in San Marino, California, underscoring the song’s lyrical themes of reflection and nostalgia.
Despite its success on the Billboard Hot 100, “Only Yesterday” held a special place as The Carpenters’ final top-ten single on that chart. However, their reign on the Adult Contemporary charts continued with subsequent hits, culminating with “Make Believe It’s Your First Time,” released a few months after Karen’s tragic passing in 1983.
The song’s impact transcended charts and accolades, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide and solidifying The Carpenters’ reputation as masters of melody and emotion. “Only Yesterday” remains a cherished gem in their discography, cherished for its timeless appeal and the poignant legacy of Karen and Richard Carpenter’s musical partnership.
Video
Lyrics
After long enough of being alone
Everyone must face their share of loneliness
In my own time, nobody knew
The pain I was goin’ through
And waitin’ was all my heart could do
Hope was all I had until you came
Maybe you can’t see how much you mean to me
You were the dawn breaking the night
The promise of mornin’ light
Filling the world surroundin’ me
When I hold you
Baby, baby, feels like maybe
Things will be all right
Baby, baby, your love’s made me
Free as a song, singin’ forever
Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely
You showed me the way to leave the past and all its tears behind me
Tomorrow maybe even brighter than today
Since I threw my sadness away
Only yesterday
I have found my home here in your arms
Nowhere else on earth I’d really rather be
Life waits for us, share it with me
The best is about to be
And so much is left for us to see
When I hold you
Baby, baby, feels like maybe
Things will be all right
Baby, baby, your love’s made me
Free as a song, singin’ forever
Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely
You showed me the way to leave the past and all its tears behind me
Tomorrow maybe even brighter than today
Since I threw my sadness away
Only yesterday (only yesterday, only yesterday)
Only yesterday when I was sad and I was lonely
You showed me the way to leave the past and all its tears behind me