Days of Wine and Roses
Bobby Hackett and His Orchestra Lyrics


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The days of wine and roses laugh and run away like a child at play
Through a meadow land toward a closing door
A door marked "nevermore" that wasn't there before

The lonely night discloses just a passing breeze filled with memories
Of the golden smile that introduced me to
The days of wine and roses and you
(The lonely night discloses) just a passing breeze filled with memories




Of the golden smile that introduced me to
The days of wine and roses and you-oo-oo

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Days of Wine and Roses" by Bobby Hackett and His Orchestra capture the fleeting nature of joy and happiness. The opening line, "The days of wine and roses laugh and run away like a child at play," suggests that moments of joy and happiness are transient, disappearing quickly like a child's playful laughter. This comparison reminds us of the ephemeral nature of happiness in our lives.


"Through a meadow land toward a closing door, a door marked 'nevermore' that wasn't there before" is a metaphorical representation of the passage of time and the inevitability of the end of happy moments. Just as we journey through life, we move through a meadow towards a door that marks the end of the joyful times. This door, marked "nevermore," symbolizes the impossibility of reclaiming these past moments of happiness.


"The lonely night discloses just a passing breeze filled with memories" reveals the melancholy that accompanies the fleeting nature of joy. The night, typically associated with loneliness and introspection, exposes both the transience of happiness and the memories that linger on. The passing breeze acts as a metaphor for the temporary nature of joy, reminding us that it too shall pass.


Finally, the line "Of the golden smile that introduced me to the days of wine and roses and you" signifies the significance of a specific person in the singer's life, who is associated with the joyous moments represented by the metaphorical "days of wine and roses." This person's smile introduced the singer to a world filled with happiness and unforgettable memories. The inclusion of the word "golden" suggests the preciousness and uniqueness of this person and their role in bringing the singer into this world of joy.


Overall, the song portrays a bittersweet understanding of the transience of happiness and the memories it leaves behind. It reflects on the fleeting nature of joyous moments, the sadness that accompanies their passing, and the lasting impact of a significant person who introduced the singer to this world of happiness.


Line by Line Meaning

The days of wine and roses laugh and run away like a child at play
The joyful moments of indulgence and happiness quickly fade away, just like a carefree child playing, leaving behind only memories.


Through a meadow land toward a closing door
Heading towards an uncertain future, represented by a closing door, as if wandering through a peaceful meadow.


A door marked 'nevermore' that wasn't there before
Encountering an unexpected obstacle or disappointment, symbolized by a door labeled 'nevermore', which did not exist in the past.


(The lonely night discloses) just a passing breeze filled with memories
During the moments of loneliness in the night, only fleeting winds bring back nostalgic memories.


Of the golden smile that introduced me to
Recalling the captivating smile that was the initial introduction to a period of happiness and affection.


The days of wine and roses and you-oo-oo
Those were the times of joyful and romantic experiences, intertwined with your presence, bringing me immense happiness.




Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HENRY N. MANCINI, JOHNNY MERCER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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