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.

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 choose.
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.

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 choose
We’d fight and never lose
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
Was that lonely woman really me

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 choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

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 my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days.

Songwriter: Gene Raskin