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.
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...