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