The meaning of From Yesterday by The 1975

"From Yesterday" is a striking and profound song by the rock band, 30 Seconds to Mars. This epic ballad, released in 2006 as part of their album ‘A Beautiful Lie’, carries a deep and multifaceted meaning with resonating lyrics that add to its enormous fan appeal.

The skilfully-crafted verses of "From Yesterday" speak primarily about retrospection and reflection on past doings and actions. The heart-rending lyrics, "He's a stranger to some and a vision to none," suggest a sense of confusion and loneliness. This could signify an individual's struggle with personal identity or self-perception, hinting at battles with depression or anxiety.

However, as the song progresses, it retains a hopeful tone. The recurrent chorus, "From yesterday, it's coming," is an emblem of the persistence of the past, but it also symbolizes a future brightened by lessons learned. It's as if the band is trying to tell its listeners that although your past does shape you, it's coming from yesterday that prepares you for tomorrow.

The symbolism doesn’t end in the lyrics, but extends to the song's official music video, which was the first American rock video shot in the People's Republic of China. The video, heavily inspired by the film "The Last Emperor," predicated on the boy-king Puyi, is yet another allegory about control and freedom. This alliance of music with riveting visuals underscores the powerful message of 'From Yesterday,' that we are often prisoners of our past, but at the same time, the key to our own chains.

The line "On a mountain he sits, not of gold but of sin," could be perceived as a critique of today's materialistic society or an individual's quest for material wealth, often leading to their downfall. Jared Leto’s vocals skillfully portray the raw emotion of a person struggling with such worldly desires and their consequences.

Through the impeccably-crafted lyrics and immersive tunes, 30 Seconds to Mars has been successful in depicting the inherent human struggle with time, past, freedom, and identity. Through "From Yesterday," the band delivers a message that allows a wider interpretation based on your life, experiences, or how you perceive the world around you.

"From Yesterday" is more than just a song; it's an anthem that induces a completely different perspective on your life. It makes us question, reflect and grow stronger leading us to the realization that coming from yesterday, we are the architects of our tomorrow.