About The Song
The Carpenters were an American sibling duo consisting of Karen Carpenter ( vocals and drums) and Richard Carpenter (keyboards, vocals, and arranger). They are known for their soft, easy listening sound, which was popular in the 1970s. Their music has been described as “middle-of-the-road“, “easy listening“, and “adult contemporary“.
“(Only Yesterday)” was released in 1975 as the second single from their album Horizon. It was written by Richard Carpenter and John Bettis. The song reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number one on the Adult Contemporary chart. It was also a hit in other countries, reaching number one in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The song is about nostalgia and looking back on one’s life. The lyrics reflect on the passage of time and how things have changed since the singer was younger. The song is a beautiful and moving ballad that has been covered by many artists, including Olivia Newton-John, Barbra Streisand, and Kenny Rogers.
“(Only Yesterday)” is a classic example of the Carpenters’ sound. It is a well-crafted song with beautiful melodies and harmonies. Karen Carpenter’s vocals are pure and expressive. The song is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was inspired by a conversation that Richard Carpenter had with his mother. She was talking about how quickly time was passing and how she wished she could slow it down.
- The song was recorded in Los Angeles at A&M Studios.
- The song’s producer was Jack Daugherty.
- The song’s arranger was Richard Carpenter.
- The song’s engineer was Roger Young.
- The song’s length is 4:02.
- The song’s tempo is 72 beats per minute.
- The song’s key is A major.
- The song’s time signature is 4/4.
The song has been used in several films and television shows, including:
- The film The Big Chill (1983)
- The television show The Wonder Years (1988)
- The television show Friends (1994)
- The film The Holiday (2006)
“(Only Yesterday)” is a beautiful and moving song that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a classic example of the Carpenters’ sound and a testament to their talent as songwriters and performers.