Only Yesterday

Album: Horizon (1975)
Charted: 7 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Richard Carpenter wrote this with lyricist John Bettis. They were sure the song wouldn't be a hit, and lost a $1,000 bet to their recording engineer Roger Young when they were proven wrong. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Rick - Orange county, CA

Comments: 6

  • Lisa from North CarolinaFor Jennifer Sun:
    https://youtu.be/tKhaFIW6gWo

    There’s a good bit of info on Bob Messenger and his work with the Carpenters, if one knows where to look...
  • Jennifur Sun from RamonaLike the song a lot as well. Still trying to find out any info on the guy who played on this. Last name is Messanger or Messenger.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyThis was The Carpenters lowest ranking Top 10 record; it peaked at #4, they never had a record ranking at #5 to #10. What they did have was: three No. 1s, five No. 2s, and two No. 3s!!! {Very impressive}
  • Timmyt from Brea, CaThis is by far my favorite song by Carpenters. Karen's vocal performance was outstanding. "Horizon" the album it came from is my favorite of their albums.
  • Ron from Auburndale, FlHuh? The verses are most definately Karen solo!
  • Ken from Louisville, KyThis was the only Carpenters hit song where Karen had no solo vocal parts. It is sung in three part harmony with her brother Richard. Overdubbing allowed for Karen to take two of the three parts.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

Producer Rupert Hine talks about crafting hits for Tina Turner, Howard Jones and The Fixx.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.