The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Yesterday, just a
Photograph of yesterday
And all its edges folded
And the corners
Faded sepia brown
And yet it's all I have
Of our past love
A postscript to its ending
Brighter days
I can see such brighter days
When every song we sang
Is sung again
And now we know
We know this time it's for good
And we're lovers once again
And you're near me
I can remember the
Rain in December
The leaves are brown
On the ground
In Spain I did love and adore you
The nights filled with
Joy were our yesterdays
And tomorrow will bring you near me
[Chorus]
I can recall my desire
Every reverie is on fire
And I get a picture of
All our yesterdays
Yes, today
I can say, "I get a kick every time
They play that, 'Spain," again"
I can remember the rain in December
The leaves are brown
On the ground
Our love was a Spanish fiesta
The bright lights and songs
Were our joy each day
And the nights were the
Heat of yearning
I can recall my desire
Every reverie is on fire
And I get a picture of
All our yesterdays
Yes, today
I can say, "I get a kick everytime
I see you gaze at me."
I see moments of history
Your eyes meet mine and
They dance to the melody
And we live again
As if dreaming
The sound of our
Hearts beat like castanets
And forever we'll know their meaning
[Chorus]
You gaze at me
I see moments of history
Your eyes meet mine
And they dance to the melody
And we live again
As if dreaming
[Chorus]
Photograph of yesterday
And all its edges folded
And the corners
Faded sepia brown
And yet it's all I have
Of our past love
A postscript to its ending
Brighter days
I can see such brighter days
When every song we sang
Is sung again
And now we know
We know this time it's for good
And we're lovers once again
And you're near me
I can remember the
Rain in December
The leaves are brown
On the ground
In Spain I did love and adore you
The nights filled with
Joy were our yesterdays
And tomorrow will bring you near me
[Chorus]
I can recall my desire
Every reverie is on fire
And I get a picture of
All our yesterdays
Yes, today
I can say, "I get a kick every time
They play that, 'Spain," again"
I can remember the rain in December
The leaves are brown
On the ground
Our love was a Spanish fiesta
The bright lights and songs
Were our joy each day
And the nights were the
Heat of yearning
I can recall my desire
Every reverie is on fire
And I get a picture of
All our yesterdays
Yes, today
I can say, "I get a kick everytime
I see you gaze at me."
I see moments of history
Your eyes meet mine and
They dance to the melody
And we live again
As if dreaming
The sound of our
Hearts beat like castanets
And forever we'll know their meaning
[Chorus]
You gaze at me
I see moments of history
Your eyes meet mine
And they dance to the melody
And we live again
As if dreaming
[Chorus]
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i can honestly say this song is brilliant. 'nuff said.