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 dreamed 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...
   those were the days, oh yes those were the days
   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...
   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 shadow really me...