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if there is a more natural sounding song that I can think of. The lyrics go so
perfectly with the melody, and the lines are all connected to each other with such
consistency that you automatically want to sing along to it. And that gets straight to
the heart of what songwriting is all about.
the technical, the chords used fit together and the progression is so logical, but to
me, it's the connecting pattern between the chords that hold the interest of
whoever is listening. If you really listen carefully, you can hear three steps after
each chord that go right into the next one. They are very subtle, and almost
subconscious in a way:
1,2,3 1,2,3
just waiting around for the next line, they take you there. This is a technique that's
used in a lot of Beatles songs, and if used in the right way, it's one of the best
things you can include in a song. The key is not to overuse it, and it won't work in
all songs, so you have to be selective. With "Yesterday", the other great part is
that the steps are highlighted and brought to the center of attention with these
lines: "Why she had-to-go, I don't know"; "I said some-thing-wrong"
1 2 3 1 2 3
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between the verse lines even more effective because now when you hear them,
they will not only hold your interest, but they will also remind you of something
you have heard before. The lyrics in this song are so honest, it's like someone is
confiding in you. And that's the personal part I was talking about earlier.
with people. It's a simple arrangement, just a guitar, vocal, and an awesome
string section. Because of that, it feels like he is sitting in the same room as
you, just playing the guitar and singing. That brings out the personal aspect of
the lyrics, and makes it a lot easier for people to relate to. "Yesterday" is s song
that could have been produced like other ballads (with electric guitar parts/solos,
drums, etc.), and it would still probably work really well that way, but it would lose
the intimate setting that supports the honesty in the words and their meanings.
The way it is involves the listener and makes a special connection with them, it's
like you know him, you feel for him, and you want to help him.
song, and it would be very easy to over analyze everything about it. But the
bottom line is that it worked because it was involving, personal, and it connected
with audiences everywhere. Studying it from the inside out is a good way to see
just how well written it really is. So, the next time you hear that familiar guitar
strumming and those famous first words, (while you're singing along), really
listen to it, and you'll be able to hear for yourself exactly why it's the most
requested song. As far as songwriting goes, it's definitely no less than a
masterpiece!
ultimate songwriter!
