The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Yesterday," by the artist "Wet Wet Wet"

In Wet Wet Wet's song "Yesterday," the lyrical protagonist grapples with the painful aftermath of a separation from his beloved. The lyrics capture his grief, confusion, and longing for the happiness he once knew.

The first verse describes the abrupt shift from a carefree "yesterday," where problems seemed distant, to the agonizing "today" filled with the pain of the breakup. Yesterday becomes a symbol of lost happiness and serenity.

The second verse emphasizes the devastating impact of the separation. The protagonist feels lost, broken ("not half the man I used to be"), haunted by the shadow of the past. The suddenness of his lover's departure intensifies his suffering.

The recurring chorus expresses despair and bewilderment. The lyrical hero is tormented by the question "why?", finding no answer in his former lover's words. He blames himself ("I said something wrong"), clinging to the past and idealizing it ("Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play").

The repetition of the lines about "easy game" in the past and seeking a place "to hide away" in the present reinforces the contrast between the joyful past and the bitter present. The repeated phrase "Oh, I believe in yesterday" reflects the protagonist's desire to return to the past, to a carefree happiness that now seems unattainable.