Once upon a time, there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two.
Remember how we laughed away the hours
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.
La la la la...

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 !
La la la la...

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 !
La la la la...

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 !
La la la la...