Introduction:
“What A Day Yesterday Was” is a contemplative and nostalgic song by Alan Jackson, a towering figure in contemporary country music. While it may not be as widely recognized as some of his chart-topping anthems, this track beautifully encapsulates Jackson’s signature style: heartfelt storytelling, traditional country instrumentation, and an authentic vocal delivery that resonates deeply with listeners. The song offers a poignant reflection on cherished memories, highlighting the simple yet profound joy found in looking back at a perfect moment.
Alan Jackson emerged in the late 1980s as a champion of neotraditional country, a movement that sought to bring country music back to its roots amidst a growing trend of pop crossover. With his smooth baritone, relatable lyrics, and a sound steeped in honky-tonk and classic country ballads, Jackson quickly established himself as a genuine voice in the genre. His career has been marked by remarkable consistency, yielding dozens of number-one hits, numerous awards, and a reputation as one of country music’s most respected songwriters and performers. His ability to craft songs that speak to universal themes of love, family, faith, and the simple pleasures of everyday life has cemented his status as an icon.
“What A Day Yesterday Was” was released in 1998 on Alan Jackson’s album High Mileage. This album was a significant release in Jackson’s discography, showcasing a slightly more introspective and sometimes melancholic side of his artistry, which some critics noted might have been influenced by personal experiences around that time. High Mileage continued Jackson’s commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and achieving platinum certification. While High Mileage featured several successful singles, “What A Day Yesterday Was” was an album track that resonated with fans for its emotional depth rather than its chart performance as a single.
The song falls squarely within the country genre, specifically embodying elements of a country ballad. Its musical arrangement is understated, allowing the lyrical narrative and Jackson’s expressive vocals to take center stage. The instrumentation features classic country elements such as acoustic guitar, subtle steel guitar, and piano, creating a warm, reflective, and slightly wistful atmosphere. The tempo is gentle, fostering a mood conducive to contemplation and nostalgia. This adherence to traditional country sounds is a hallmark of Jackson’s artistry, ensuring that even his more reflective pieces maintain an authentic country feel.
Lyrically, “What A Day Yesterday Was” is a tender reflection on a perfect day or a perfect moment in a relationship. Penned by Mel Besher and Charlie Craig, the song uses the imagery of photographs and cherished memories to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and appreciation for a past experience. The narrator looks back at a specific day, acknowledging its beauty and the happiness it brought. There’s a subtle undertone of cherishing the present moment, almost as if recognizing its fleeting nature, and holding onto the memory as a source of comfort and joy. The lyrics suggest that even if the future is uncertain (“if forever should end today and there’s no tomorrow for us”), the memory of that perfect “yesterday” remains invaluable. This theme of treasuring moments and finding solace in memories is a powerful and universal one, making the song relatable to anyone who has experienced a profound connection or a truly special day.
While “What A Day Yesterday Was” was not released as a commercial single and therefore did not accrue specific chart achievements in that capacity, its impact is measured differently. Its inclusion on a platinum-selling album like High Mileage meant it reached a vast audience of country music fans. For many listeners, it became a beloved album cut, appreciated for its emotional honesty and its ability to evoke personal memories. The song’s achievement lies in its contribution to Jackson’s reputation as a master balladeer and a songwriter capable of conveying deep, relatable emotions. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of a well-crafted country song to touch the heart, even without the fanfare of a major hit single. It reinforces the idea that not every impactful song needs to dominate the radio waves to leave a lasting impression on an artist’s discography and their audience.
In conclusion, “What A Day Yesterday Was” is a contemplative country ballad by Alan Jackson, released in 1998 on his High Mileage album. Written by Mel Besher and Charlie Craig, the song beautifully captures the essence of cherishing perfect memories and finding joy in nostalgic reflection. While it was not a chart-topping single, its significance lies in its emotional depth, its authentic country sound, and its contribution to Alan Jackson’s legacy as a premier interpreter of heartfelt, relatable songs within the genre.