Today is the Day

Yo La Tengo's 'Today is the Day' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's past, filled with moments of longing and missed connections. The song opens with the narrator recounting a night spent waiting for someone at a smoky bar, only to end up alone in their car. This sets the tone for a journey through memories, where the narrator reflects on what could have been and the inevitability of change.

The recurring theme of driving by familiar places, such as the parent's farm and the rusty car, serves as a metaphor for the journey through life and the memories that linger. The mention of seeing the brother and sister further emphasizes the passage of time and the changes that come with it. These encounters evoke a sense of melancholy, as the narrator realizes that nothing ever feels the same and that the past is a place they can never fully return to.

The chorus, with its repetition of 'Another day, come and gone' and 'Today is the day, today is the day I think of you,' underscores the theme of reflection and the bittersweet nature of memories. The line 'It's always trouble that makes you strong' suggests that the struggles and regrets of the past have shaped the narrator into who they are today. Ultimately, 'Today is the Day' is a meditation on the passage of time, the weight of memories, and the enduring impact of the people and moments that have touched our lives.