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
When we were young and sure to have our way
Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our strong emotions 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 on yes those were the days*
Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Remember the simple way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me ?
* Repeat
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
* Repeat