Hier Encore

Album: Hier Encore (1964)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is arguably the greatest song Aznavour ever wrote, certainly it was a massive hit being recorded in Danish, Italian, Spanish, and even Japanese. The literal English translation of the title is "Yesterday Again" but it is better known as "Yesterday, When I Was Young." A single noun may translate accurately, but a literal English translation does not sound particularly pleasing. The English translation by lyricist Herbert Kretzmer is both thematic and wonderful.
  • This remorseful ballad was recorded in English most significantly by Dusty Springfield, but Aznamour also recorded it in English; on one occasion he dueted with Shirley Bassey. He also performed the original with his daughter and granddaugter! On May 22, 2014, Aznavour celebrated his 90th birthday; (Herbert Kretzmer is a year younger). Even a life as full and successful as his will have found it prophetic. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Amy Lee of Evanescence

Amy Lee of EvanescenceSongwriter Interviews

The Evanescence frontwoman on the songs that have shifted meaning and her foray into kids' music.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Don Dokken

Don DokkenSongwriter Interviews

Dokken frontman Don Dokken explains what broke up the band at the height of their success in the late '80s, and talks about the botched surgery that paralyzed his right arm.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Rob Thomas of Matchbox Twenty

Rob Thomas of Matchbox TwentySongwriter Interviews

Rob Thomas on his Social Distance Sessions, co-starring with a camel, and his friendship with Carlos Santana.