Once upon a time,
There was a tavern where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And think of all the great things we would do

Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance, I'd see you in the tavern
We'd smile at one another and we'd say
Those were the days my friend, we thought they'd never end

We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we chose, we'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way
La la la la la lay

Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days
Just tonight, I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Oh was that lonely woman really me
Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we're older, but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same
Those were the days...

Writer : STROUSE, CHARLES/ADAMS, LEE
Copyright : Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing