Yesterday
| Title | Yesterday |
|---|---|
| Artist | Atmosphere |
| Album | When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold |
| Release Date | 2008-04-22 |
| Description | “Yesterday” is track 9 on Atmosphere’s 2008 album, When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold. Back in 2014, I spoke with Slug about what this song means. “Somehow, the whole song was about me trying to make to make amends with my father who passed away,” Slug told me at the time. “Yet the premise was about when somebody dies, you feel like you see that familiarity of them and you feel like you recognize them in the faces of strangers. So it came from seeing people around my city saying, ‘Dude, that’s my dad.’ But really the song itself was about trying to make amends to the dead. I should have done that when he was alive. And I think that’s where, ultimately, no matter what you hear when you hear the song, it’s really about you as a listener. That song is there for a listener to pick up things for them, like, ‘I can totally relate because my mom passed away’ or ‘my brother’ or ‘my friend’ or some shit like that. Or you could just take it as being a song about making amends.” In the song, which is open letter to his dad, Slug reminisces about their relationship while reflecting on regrets, love and everything in between. And if the last line doesn’t give you the chills, you didn’t listen to the song. |
| Lyrics | [Verse 1] I thought I saw you yesterday But I didn't stop, ‘cause you was walking the opposite way I guess I could have shouted out your name But even if it was you, I don't know what I would say We can sit and reminisce about the old school Maybe share a cigarette because we both fools Chop it up and compare perspectives Life, love, stress, and setbacks Yes, you could tell me how hard you had it And you could show me all the scars to back it And we can analyze each complaint Break it down and explain these mistakes I make I like to tangle up the strings of the puppetry But you knew me back when I was a younger me You've seen Sean in all types of light And I've been meaning to ask you if I'm doing alright [Chorus] Yesterday, was that you? Looked just like you Strange things my imagination might do Take a breath, reflect on what we've been through Or am I just going crazy ‘cause I miss you? Yesterday, was that you? Looked just like you Strange things my imagination might do Take a breath, reflect on what we've been through Or am I just going crazy ‘cause I miss you? [Verse 2] I'm shook, I know I pushed when I should have pulled Took it all back if I could, I put that on my soul And I would make a top notch good listener If you could block off a little time out to give it here Since we went our separate paths I've hit a couple of snags that remind me of the past I can't front, I'm having a blast But damned if I ain't afraid of how long it's gonna last Sitting here wishing we could kick it Give me your opinions, I do miss the criticisms I didn't mean to be distant, make a visit I'll wait up and keep the coffee brewing in the kitchen But who am I jokin' with? There's no way that you and I will ever get to re-open it It doesn't matter, this is more than love And maybe if I'm lucky, get to see you out the corner of… You might also like[Chorus] Yesterday, was that you? Looked just like you Strange things my imagination might do Take a breath, reflect on what we've been through Or am I just going crazy ‘cause I miss you? Yesterday, was that you? Looked just like you Strange things my imagination might do Take a breath, reflect on what we've been through Or am I just going crazy ‘cause I miss you? [Verse 3] And when you left, I didn't see it coming I guess I slept, it ain't like you was running You crept out the front door slow And I was so self-absorbed I didn't even know And by the the time I looked up, it was booked up Put it all behind you, the bad and the good stuff A whole house full of dreams and steps I think you'd be impressed with the pieces I kept You disappeared, but the history is still here That's why I try not to cry over spilt beer I can't even get mad that you're gone Leaving me was probably the best thing you ever taught me I'm sorry, it's official I was a fistful, I didn't keep it simple Chip on the shoulder, anger in my veins Had so much hatred now it brings me shame Never thought about the world without you And I promise that I'll never say another bad word about you I thought I saw you yesterday But I know it wasn't you, ‘cause you passed away, Dad [Chorus] Looked just like you Strange things my imagination might do Take a breath, reflect on what we've been through Or am I just going crazy ‘cause I miss you? |