Table of Contents
Listening Activity
This listening activity is based on the song “Yesterday by The Beatles“. The song lyrics are ideal for English Learners and include many interesting language topics, such as the simple past.
Let’s start with some information about the song!
Yesterday by The Beatles
“Yesterday” is a song by English rock band The Beatles. This page provides information about the song and links to the lyrics and the official video.
Yesterday by The Beatles
Level
Beginner and intermediate students.
Facts about the Song
- Song: Yesterday
- Album: Help!
- Date of release: August 6, 1965
- Genre: Baroque pop
- Length of the song: 2 minutes and 03 seconds.
- Writers: Lennon-McCartney
- Produced by: George Martin
Interesting Information about the Song
According to biographers of Paul McCartney and The Beatles, the melody for “Yesterday” came to McCartney in a dream while he was staying at the Wimpole Street home of his then-girlfriend Jane Asher and her family. Upon waking, he rushed to a piano to play the tune and ensure he wouldn’t forget it.
McCartney initially feared that he had subconsciously plagiarized someone else’s work, a phenomenon known as cryptomnesia. As he described, “For about a month I went round to people in the music business and asked them whether they had ever heard it before. Eventually, it felt like I was handing it in to the police. I thought if no one claimed it after a few weeks, then I could have it.”
“Yesterday” was originally titled “Scrambled Eggs” and featured a completely different set of lyrics. It became one of The Beatles’ most covered songs, with thousands of artists recording their versions. Despite its humble beginnings, the song’s poignant melody and reflective lyrics have cemented its place as one of the most iconic and enduring ballads in music history.
The Video
The Lyrics
Language Points
The song includes many interesting language points:
Expressions that may be useful to students:
- Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
oh, I believe in yesterday - Suddenly, I’m not half the man I used to be
There’s a shadow hanging over me
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.
Listening Comprehension
Sentence Completion Exercise
Complete the sentences using the words or phrases provided.
- Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so __.
- (far away, close by, temporary)
- Now it looks as though they’re here to __.
- (leave, stay, fade)
- Suddenly, I’m not __ the man I used to be.
- (more, less, half)
- There’s a shadow hanging __ me.
- (over, under, beside)
- Yesterday, love was such an easy game __ play.
- (to, in, on)
Gap Fill Exercise
These words are used in the lyrics of the song:
- Troubles: Problems or difficulties causing distress or worry.
- Suddenly: Quickly and unexpectedly.
- Shadow: A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface, often used metaphorically to represent a looming presence or influence.
- Long: To have a strong desire or yearning for something.
- Believe: To accept something as true; to have confidence in the truth or existence of something.
- Hide: To conceal oneself or something from view or discovery.
- Game: An activity or contest with rules, engaged in for amusement or competitive purposes; can also metaphorically refer to an endeavor or situation.
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word from the list:
troubles, suddenly, shadow, long, believe, hide, game.
- The child tried to __________ behind the curtain during the game of hide and seek.
- She had a strong desire to travel the world; she would often __________ to see new places.
- When the lights went out, a mysterious __________ appeared on the wall, startling everyone.
- He faced many __________ at work, but he remained hopeful that things would improve.
- It is important to __________ in yourself when facing challenges.
- The weather changed __________, catching everyone off guard without umbrellas.
- To him, life felt like a __________ where every decision could lead to different outcomes.
Source: Wikipedia