Bobby Sherman’s “Yokohama City Times”: A Poignant Reflection on Love, Distance, and the Lingering Echoes of Youth
Ah, Bobby Sherman. Just the name itself conjures up a cascade of memories for those of us who grew up in a certain era. He was more than just a singer; he was an icon, a hearthrob who adorned countless teenage bedroom walls and soundtracked countless first loves and heartbreaks. While many of his hits like “Julie, Do Ya Love Me” and “Easy Come, Easy Go” became synonymous with his bubblegum pop image, there’s a lesser-known gem that truly showcased a more mature, reflective side of Sherman: the poignant and evocative “Yokohama City Times.”
Released in January 1971, “Yokohama City Times” was a single, appearing on his 1971 album, ‘Portrait of Bobby’. Unlike some of his earlier chart-toppers that soared into the Top 10, this particular track didn’t reach those dizzying heights on the Billboard Hot 100. It wasn’t a smash hit in the conventional sense, and that’s precisely part of its enduring charm for those who appreciate the deeper cuts and hidden narratives within an artist’s discography. Its more modest chart performance meant it likely resonated with a slightly different audience, perhaps those who appreciated a nuanced story over a catchy, immediate hook.
The beauty of “Yokohama City Times” lies in its narrative, a vivid snapshot of love, separation, and the bittersweet pang of memory. The song tells the story of a soldier stationed in Yokohama, Japan, who falls in love with a local girl. As his tour of duty comes to an end, he’s faced with the agonizing reality of leaving her behind. The “Yokohama City Times” isn’t a newspaper in the literal sense, but rather a metaphorical collection of memories, hopes, and promises exchanged between the lovers. It’s the lingering echo of their time together, preserved within the daily rhythm of the city they shared.
The lyrics paint a melancholic picture of the soldier’s longing, his heart pulled between duty and desire. He reads the “Yokohama City Times” not for current events, but as a ritual, a way to cling to the fading echoes of their romance. He imagines her still there, walking the familiar streets, perhaps even looking for him. This sentiment taps into a universal human experience: the ache of separation, the power of a place to hold memories, and the enduring hope that love might somehow bridge vast distances. For many who lived through the Vietnam era, this narrative would have resonated deeply, reflecting the personal costs and sacrifices of military service and the families and loved ones left behind. The song captures that quiet, personal grief, a counterpoint to the larger, louder narratives of the time.
What makes “Yokohama City Times” so impactful is Bobby Sherman’s delivery. While known for his youthful exuberance, here he conveys a genuine sense of tenderness and vulnerability. His voice, perhaps slightly matured, carries the weight of the story, making the listener feel the soldier’s ache and the girl’s implied sorrow. It’s a testament to Sherman’s artistry that he could pivot from upbeat, teen-friendly anthems to something so emotionally complex.
For us, the older listeners, this song isn’t just a tune; it’s a doorway to a bygone era. It evokes images of letters sent across oceans, the uncertainty of wartime goodbyes, and the way a particular city or even a newspaper can become imbued with personal significance. It reminds us of a time when communication was slower, and the anticipation of news from afar was a palpable thing. “Yokohama City Times” might not have been a chart-topper in the same vein as Sherman’s other hits, but its quiet intensity and profound emotional depth make it a truly unforgettable piece of music, a whispered memory from a time when love often had to contend with the cruel realities of distance and duty. It’s a song that settles in your heart, like a faded photograph, reminding you of the enduring power of connection, even when separated by continents and time.