Yesterday's Papers
Encyclopedia
Yesterday's Papers is a song by The Rolling Stones
from their 1967 album, Between the Buttons
. It was the opening track on the UK version of that album, and was included on the US version. It is an example of the Stones' interest in psychedelic
rock at the time (which would by further explored on the album Their Satanic Majesties Request
). It was the first song Mick Jagger
wrote completely on his own for a Rolling Stones album. The song is directed at Jagger's ex-girlfriend Chrissie Shrimpton
, whose relationship with Jagger at the time turned sour.
Recorded in late 1966, it showcases Brian Jones
on marimba and harpsichord
, the lead instruments in the song, Keith Richards on a distorted guitar, with Charlie Watts on drums, and Bill Wyman on bass. With the exception of Watts, the song features all of the Stones doing backing vocals and harmonies. A bootleg recording
exists of an alternate backing track, that includes strings.
The mono version of the song runs a bit longer than the stereo: Whereas the stereo version fades after one chorus, the mono version continues for one more full chorus. Additionally, the mono version is, at one point near the end, missing some of the backing vocals heard on the stereo version.
The song is noted for its apparent negative treatment of women, comparing yesterday's girl to yesterday's papers, something that can be just thrown out. This is exacerbated by the fact that Shrimpton tried to commit suicide
over the breakup, which is the subject of the song.
The tune was also covered by Chris Farlowe
.
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
from their 1967 album, Between the Buttons
Between the Buttons
- American release:In the US, the album was released by London Records on February 11, 1967 . "Let's Spend the Night Together" and "Ruby Tuesday" were slotted onto the album while "Back Street Girl" and "Please Go Home" were removed ...
. It was the opening track on the UK version of that album, and was included on the US version. It is an example of the Stones' interest in psychedelic
Psychedelic
The term psychedelic is derived from the Greek words ψυχή and δηλοῦν , translating to "soul-manifesting". A psychedelic experience is characterized by the striking perception of aspects of one's mind previously unknown, or by the creative exuberance of the mind liberated from its ostensibly...
rock at the time (which would by further explored on the album Their Satanic Majesties Request
Their Satanic Majesties Request
Their Satanic Majesties Request is the sixth British and eighth American studio album by The Rolling Stones, released on 8 December 1967 by Decca Records in the United Kingdom and the following day in the United States by London Records...
). It was the first song Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger
Sir Michael Philip "Mick" Jagger is an English musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and a founding member of The Rolling Stones....
wrote completely on his own for a Rolling Stones album. The song is directed at Jagger's ex-girlfriend Chrissie Shrimpton
Chrissie Shrimpton
Chrissie Shrimpton is a former 1960s English model and actress. She is the younger sister of model Jean Shrimpton and was the girlfriend of Mick Jagger from 1963 to 1966.-Films:*G.G...
, whose relationship with Jagger at the time turned sour.
Recorded in late 1966, it showcases Brian Jones
Brian Jones
Lewis Brian Hopkins Jones , known as Brian Jones, was an English musician and a founding member of the Rolling Stones....
on marimba and harpsichord
Harpsichord
A harpsichord is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It produces sound by plucking a string when a key is pressed.In the narrow sense, "harpsichord" designates only the large wing-shaped instruments in which the strings are perpendicular to the keyboard...
, the lead instruments in the song, Keith Richards on a distorted guitar, with Charlie Watts on drums, and Bill Wyman on bass. With the exception of Watts, the song features all of the Stones doing backing vocals and harmonies. A bootleg recording
Bootleg recording
A bootleg recording is an audio or video recording of a performance that was not officially released by the artist or under other legal authority. The process of making and distributing such recordings is known as bootlegging...
exists of an alternate backing track, that includes strings.
The mono version of the song runs a bit longer than the stereo: Whereas the stereo version fades after one chorus, the mono version continues for one more full chorus. Additionally, the mono version is, at one point near the end, missing some of the backing vocals heard on the stereo version.
The song is noted for its apparent negative treatment of women, comparing yesterday's girl to yesterday's papers, something that can be just thrown out. This is exacerbated by the fact that Shrimpton tried to commit suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is often committed out of despair or attributed to some underlying mental disorder, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug abuse...
over the breakup, which is the subject of the song.
The tune was also covered by Chris Farlowe
Chris Farlowe
Chris Farlowe is an English rock, blues and soul singer. He is best known for his hit single "Out of Time", which rose to #1 in the UK Singles Chart in 1966, and his association with Colosseum and the Thunderbirds.Outside his music career, Farlowe collects war memorabilia.-Career:Inspired by Lonnie...
.