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Yesterday - The Beatles

by Presl
(Beijing, China)

Practical English Usage by Michael Swan

Practical English Usage by Michael Swan

I have two questions about the song "Yesterday" which is sung by the Beatles and I was wondering if you could take a look for me when you are coming up for air from your work? Thanks a lot!

Q1: Could you make this sentence in brackets clear? I am not sure that I get it.

In the lyrics, is "here to stay" used as an expression? If it is, then what does this whole sentence mean? I see it as saying "Now it looks as though the troubles they are surrounding me." ??

Yesterday
All my troubles seemed so far away
(Now it looks as though they're here to stay)
Oh, I believe in yesterday


Hi Presl!

You are close but the meaning of "here to stay", means that something is going to be present now and in the future.

For example, people ask me how long I am going to live in Spain. My answer? I am here to stay! I am going to live here forever.

So in the song they are stating that the problems that exist now, don't seem to be solving themselves now or in the near future. The problems are here to stay.



Q2: What does "she wouldn't say" mean?

I mean, if I say "she didn't say", is there a difference between them? I figured it means something like, "I don't know,even if she knew she wouldn't say"?

Yes there is a difference between "wouldn't" and "didn't". "Wouldn't" implies a choice was made not to say something. I didn't answer the phone just refers to not answering the phone; where as I wouldn't answer the phone is me choosing not to.

I hope that helps Presl! :)

Have a super afternoon!
PS: I didn't get your email, so if you could send me it again, with your suggestions, I'd really appreciate it. :D

-Diana



Why she had to go
I don't know, (she wouldn't say)
I said something wrong
Now I long for yesterday

Thank you, Diana!

:) Presl

Comments for
Yesterday - The Beatles

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Apr 22, 2009
:-D
by: presl

Hello! Diana,

I am sorry to hear that you are sick and got a awful pain on your back. Do not worry about us! You should take a couple of days off from your work. As long as you have your health, nothing else matters.

Take care of yourself and see you later!

:) presl

Apr 16, 2009
:-D
by: presl

Diana!! Where have you been?? I thought you were leaving us!!

Thanks for your explanation for my questions about this song! I get it this time!

Thank you! I am glad to see you are back!!

: ) Presl
Hi Presl,

It has been a long time. Almost two weeks. I took a couple days off for Easter and then after that I hurt my back and then after that I got the flu. (It was not my lucky couple of weeks).

I am still a little sick (a bit congested and tired) but I am starting to get back to work.

I'm so glad that you understand the song now. Keep the music questions coming!

Cheers,
Diana

PS: I got your email! Thank you so much for your suggestions. I am going to email you back this afternoon!


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