From Yesterday

Album: A Beautiful Lie (2005)
Charted: 37 76
Play Video

  • He's a stranger to some
    And a vision to none
    He can never get enough,
    Get enough of the world

    For a fortune he'd quit
    But it's hard to admit
    How it ends and begins
    On his face is a map of the world
    (A map of the world)
    On his face is a map of the world
    (A map of the world)
    From yesterday, it's coming!
    From yesterday, the fear!
    From yesterday, it calls him
    But he doesn't want to read the message here

    On a mountain he sits, not of gold but of shit
    through the blood he can learn, see the lives that it took
    From council of one
    He'll decide when he's done with the innocent

    On his face is a map of the world
    (A map of the world)
    On his face is a map of the world
    (A map of the world)

    From yesterday, it's coming!
    From yesterday, the fear!
    From yesterday, it calls him
    But he doesn't want to read the message here
    But he doesn't want to read the message here
    But he doesn't want to read the message here

    On his face is a map of the world

    From yesterday, it's coming!
    From yesterday, the fear!
    From yesterday, it calls him
    But he doesn't want to read the message here
    From yesterday,
    From yesterday,
    From yesterday, the fear
    From yesterday,
    From yesterday
    But he doesn't want to read the message here
    But he doesn't want to read the message here
    But he doesn't want to read the message here Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 11

  • Jake from Okinawa, JapanMaybe I'm biased because I'm in the military but I see a soldier, possibly with PTSD when I hear this song. On his face is a map of the world from his deployments to various places. He's a stranger to some and vision to none, he's a stranger to all the people he reacts with in these other countries. The chorus is what make me think of PTSD. From yesterday, it's coming, from yesterday, the fear. He's remembering the horrors of war and some of the awful things he's seen and probably done. He doesn't want to read the message out might be not wanting to talk about it or maybe even referring to a suicide note or something. But I'm not sure if anyone agrees. Either way I love this song, it's so beautiful.
  • Caitlin from FranceI believe that this song is talking about a man of power, like an emperor or a politician (for example) who's committed errors, who can see that he's committed those errors, but he's scared to think about the errors he's done due to the fact that he knows that there will be consequences to the actions he's done. (on a mountain he sits, not of gold but of s--t, through the blood he can look, see the life that he took, from the council of one, he'll decide when he's done with the innocent).
    However, this man also wishes to take over the world, for (on his face is a map of the world), he dreams of the places he wishes to visit, take over, to expand his rule, unless those lines are talking of a childhood dream, for as kids, many many many people dream of visiting, and living in different countries, or that because of the crimes he's committed, he wishes to live elsewhere to be forgotten over time, and of fear by being punished.
    And yet, taking my last theory of the fact he wishes to move elsewhere before he's punished for his crimes, this man has a lot more pride, and even if it costs his his life, he'll stay in the same place and continue his reign until death comes to him, despite what may happen (but he doesn't want to read the message).

    I don't know if that made any sense, if it doesn't, sorry ^^"
  • Angel-boy from Cape Town, South AfricaI think Leto is talking about Jesus, "he's a stranger to some he's a vision to none", others love Jesus and others dont.."he can never get enough" meaning that Jesus still wants more people to be saved.."on his face is the map of the world",rememba jesus was beaten until hes face was a mess.."on a mountain he sits not of gods but of s--t"..he was crucified on a mountain, Jared thinks his crucifixion was s--t yet it was of glory...correct me if I'm wrong...
  • Lemian from Mexico, MexicoA Very, Very strong and emotional song. Especially when he screams "He doesn't want to read the message here", believe It. Experiences and Remorses come to my mind in that part alone. Best Song EVER!!!!
  • Caitlyn from Royersford, PaThis band is on the border of being flawlessly perfect. The song writing is beautiful,the sound is epic, and Jared Leto can sing,and scream) his ass off! And From Yesterday is just proof of it
  • Liesa from Roy, UtLove it! 30 Seconds to Mars is Amazing!!!
  • Jeff from Casa Grande, AzMy take on the meaning of this song, which by the way I like all and all, is simply put: a male, two-bit drug addict who has had an offspring at some point in his past, and the existence of that offspring, which is trying to contact him via letter, scares him radically. He is running away, but going no where, hense the map of the world "on his face." Big plans, but no substance. A dreamer, a child, unable to take responsibility for his actions, etc. Touching, a little cliche, but what else do you expect from Jared Leto. He's a poseur, a rich kid, but with a powerful voice. He's had life too good to be any kind of true artist. But, I find his/their music enjoyable for some strange reason--at least their second album, which is all I've ever heard of them.
  • Kasia from London, --it was one of the most expensive videos to make and cost more than $13,000,000
  • Vynsint from St. Louis, Mook, i LOVE the song. it's freaking amazing, but i cannot figure out for the life of me the the video really MEANS. did they connect the videos for the kill and a beautiful lie in between this one?
  • Patty from Alamo, Txi love this song...but i dont get how when they show everyone being hurt??????
  • Sarah from Lahoma, OkI Absolutely love this song:) <3
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went Mainstream

Jesus In Pop Hits: The Gospel Songs That Went MainstreamSong Writing

These overtly religious songs crossed over to the pop charts, despite resistance from fans, and in many cases, churches.

Divided Souls: Musical Alter Egos

Divided Souls: Musical Alter EgosSong Writing

Long before Eminem, Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj created alternate personas, David Bowie, Bono, Joni Mitchell and even Hank Williams took on characters.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Rupert Hine

Rupert HineSongwriter Interviews

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