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