Once upon a time there was a tavern Where we used to raise a glass or two Remember how we'd laugh away the hours Thinking of the great things we would do Then those busy years went rushing by us Lost our stirring 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 lose For we were young and bound to have our way Just tonight I stood before the tavern Nothing seemed the way it used to be In the glass I saw a strange reflection Is this 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 For we were young and bound to have our way 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 For we were young and bound to have our way 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 bound to have our way Those were the days