Yesterday - The Beatles

by Presl
(Beijing, China)

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