Verse 1:
 Once upon a time there was a tavern 2a 3a 4a
 Where we used to raise a glass or two 3a 4
 Remember how we laughed away the hours 3a 4
 And think of all the great things we would do 3a 4a To{CHORUS}

 CHORUS:
 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 x x x x
 la la la la lala ... la la la la ... lala
 those were the days X X
 oh yes those were the days.
 3a 4a 1a 2a ' ' ' '
 TO VERSE{ 2 Then the busy years wen..
 ......... 3 Just tonight I stood bef..
 ..........4 Through the door there came fa..}

 VERSE 2
 Then the busy years went rushing by us 2a 3a 4-
 We lost our starry notions on the way 3a 4a
 If by chance I'd see you in the tavern 3a 4
 We'd smile at one another and we'd say
 2a 3a 4a 1 To{CHORUS} Those were

 VERSE 3
 Just tonight I stood before the tavern 2a 3a 4
 Nothing seemed the way it used to be 3a 4a
 In the glass I saw a strange reflection 3a 4
 Was that lonely fellow really me?
 2a 3a 4a 1 To{CHORUS} Those were

 Verse 4
 Through the door there came familiar laughter 2a 3a 4-
 I saw your face and heard you call my name 3a 4
 Oh my friend we're older but no wiser 3a 4
 For in our hearts the dreams are still the same
 2a 3a 4a 1 To{CHORUS} Those were