| "Hier Encore" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Charles Aznavour | |
| Released | 1964 |
| Recorded | 1964 |
| Genre | Chanson |
| Language | French, English, Italian, Spanish |
| Writer | Charles Aznavour, Georges Garvarentz |
"Hier Encore" is a song released in 1964, written by Charles Aznavour and Georges Garvarentz. It was subsequently released in English (Yesterday When I Was Young), Italian (Ieri Si), Japanese 帰り来ぬ青春, and Spanish (Ayer Aún). It is considered one of Aznavour's greatest hits. The English-language lyrics were written by Herbert Kretzmer.
The English lyrics tell of a man reflecting on his life. He recounts how he wasted his youth on self-centered pursuits, and now that he is older he will not be able to do all that he had planned (implying that he may be close to his pending death).
Charles Aznavour performed this song with Patrick Bruel in a live performance. This version can be heard on Aznavour's 40 chansons d'or album.
Country music singer and musician Roy Clark recorded it in 1969. It was big hit in both U.S. and Canadian Country, Pop and Adult Contemporary Charts. It also appeared on charts in many countries. Amanda Lear recorded her personal version for her 2001 CD Heart.
| Chart (1969) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canadian RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks | 1 |
| Canadian RPM Country Tracks | 2 |
| Canadian RPM Top Singles | 7 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks | 6 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles | 9 |
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | 19 |
| Preceded by "Hurt So Bad" by Lettermen |
RPM Adult Contemporary Tracks number-one single August 9, 1969 |
Succeeded by "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town" by Kenny Rogers & the First Edition |