Yesterday, when I was mad

[TallThinMan]

I’ve always liked the ambiguity and duality of the title.

[ChoonHound]

As in angry/crazy yeah?

[TallThinMan]

As in angry/crazy yeah?

Yes. Was Neil insane to consider giving up the fabulous life of being a Pet Shop Boy because of some of the critical reactions to the Performance tour, or was he angry at Chris for storming off during their appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show?

[ChoonHound]

Was it Arsino? I thought it was just the Tonight Show? And was he mad at Chris in the song or mad at the people giving him
backhanded compliments?

[TallThinMan]

Maybe it was The Tonight Show, I can’t remember. I just remember it being cited as the closest they’ve ever come to splitting up. Of course he might not have been thinking of that incident when writing the lyrics, I’m just speculating.

[ChoonHound]

The lyrics are pretty clearly not about Chris in my opinion.

[Meebabi]

It was the Tonight Show, where Chris stormed off.

I don’t think the lyrics are about Chris either, though the incident may have been a contributing factor to the overall state of Neil’s mind when it came to writing these lyrics. Of course total speculation on my part.

[ChoonHound]

Chris did seem like an aloof spoiled brat in those days. I think he was probably just insecure.

[daveid]

I believe the origin of the song can be found in the Literally book and it wasn't anything to do with Chris but various people on tour, promoters, hangers-on, etc. As for them splitting up, it was during the Nightlife tour when they came closest. They're too old to split up now!

When I first heard the album version of Yesterday, when I was mad I really didn't like it. It was probably my least favourite on the album but I appreciate it these days and the single mix is much more accessible. Not sure if five singles wasn't a bit excessive for one album and if it was required, why not something more obvious like Young offender or One in a million?

[Meebabi]

I believe the origin of the song can be found in the Literally book and it wasn't anything to do with Chris but various people on tour, promoters, hangers-on, etc. As for them splitting up, it was during the Nightlife tour when they came closest. They're too old to split up now!

When I first heard the album version of Yesterday, when I was mad I really didn't like it. It was probably my least favourite on the album but I appreciate it these days and the single mix is much more accessible. Not sure if five singles wasn't a bit excessive for one album and if it was required, why not something more obvious like Young offender or One in a million?

Always interesting how we all have different perspectives & tastes.

To me, the happenings from PSB vs America are the most reflective of the songs likely origins.

As for Young Offender & One in a Million- I don’t really see either of those as singles material. Then again, I’ve never really been keen on either song.

[daveid]

I believe the origin of the song can be found in the Literally book and it wasn't anything to do with Chris but various people on tour, promoters, hangers-on, etc. As for them splitting up, it was during the Nightlife tour when they came closest. They're too old to split up now!

When I first heard the album version of Yesterday, when I was mad I really didn't like it. It was probably my least favourite on the album but I appreciate it these days and the single mix is much more accessible. Not sure if five singles wasn't a bit excessive for one album and if it was required, why not something more obvious like Young offender or One in a million?

Always interesting how we all have different perspectives & tastes.

To me, the happenings from PSB vs America are the most reflective of the songs likely origins.

As for Young Offender & One in a Million- I don’t really see either of those as singles material. Then again, I’ve never really been keen on either song.

Actually I'm not a fan of One in a million but they may have considered it had single potential. Young offender is my gem from side two. A tight, succinct, melancholy masterpiece

[leesmapman]

The lyrics are pretty clearly not about Chris in my opinion.

Maybe, but the remark "The music is all on tape" (and loud) does allude to his stage presence

[ChoonHound]

You’re way off. He’s recounting the kind of backhanded complements he would get (probably from Americans) while on your.

Yes the show was good. But it was loud. And the music isn’t live.

[daveid]

It's about snide comments made by cynical people during that period, such as "you've both made so little go a very long way". Neil was angry.

And it was PSB v America, not Literally (my mistake)

[ype]

I realy like Yesterday, when I was mad. Of course it's about their particular situation, but at the same time it's very relatable. Everyone feels like giving it all up from time to time. At least, I know I do. It's a sentiment that is rarely the topic of a pop song.
The change of heart, 'Then, when I was lonely', is the icing on the cake.