Song Essays

Teenager by Steven Kidder, Song #7, "Yesterday"

“Yesterday” opens with a close-up vocal, tender with concern, and the sparest drum and

percussion arrangement on the album, Teenager. The lyrics describe someone frozen with fear, seen as though from the perspective of a loving friend or parent. The delicate vocal is

contrasted with deep warm synth waves that pull at the song's harmony, perhaps conveying the difficulties faced by the subject, frozen with fear and crying. “Let them go, the old wounds,” Kidder encourages, as the song transitions to the first chorus.

The occasional sound of muted bells ornament this rich emotional space, and high pass filtered synths whisper in my ears. “There's love within. Let it in, who you've been. Let it in, Steven.”

This affirmation seems to identify Steven, the artist, as the subject. I am struck by this shift. To

observe oneself with forgiveness, understanding, and compassion; this is the experience

conveyed to me by “Yesterday.”

In the final verse, Kidder sings, “woke up today. Try again, intentioned.” The more ominous

synth voice steps back and blends with muffled yet hopeful keyboards as our protagonist faces this new day. “Head held high, all is fine. I'm certain.” The whispering synths return to

prominence as the song approaches its end, now suggesting to me the steady rise and fall of

measured breathing, as though our protagonist is in meditation or preparing for this new day's challenges and opportunities.

For me, “Yesterday” compellingly illustrates the familiar experience of self-reflection and

consequent resolution of intention. How can one face a new day in the wake of previous pain or even failure? I agree with Kidder: there is love within, let it in. This beautiful song is a powerful conclusion to Kidder's outstanding debut album, Teenager. Portrait-like, and yet intimate and accessible enough to invite the listener to envision him or herself as the subject. The soundscapes and emotional architecture of this song and indeed of the whole album are exquisite and artisanal. There is depth and subtlety beckoning your repeated listening.

My whole-hearted endorsement: let it in.

Thank you, Steven.

–N