Once Upon A Time
ELO Part II Lyrics
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(oh what a time we had)
Running home in the dark and pretending it was all a game
(oh what a time)
Those were the days, those were the days
Memories of you have really left a scar
And all that I can do now is to love you from afar
That once upon a time
Asking you if you'd stay, not believing that you might
(oh what a time we had)
Missing you through the day, dreaming of you through the night
(oh what a time)
Those were the days, those were the days
Though there's no denying that you're nowhere around
I can't help myself from looking for your face amongst the crowd
'Cause everything was fine, that once upon a time
Have to leave the past behind me and get on the right track
Though there's nothing I can say that will ever bring you back
But everything was fine, that once upon a time
I wish I knew for how much longer this misery will last
Can't control these feelings, I'm still living in the past
'Cause everything was fine, that once upon a time
I've got to build my life again, try to find somebody new
But I know inside my heart of hearts there'll be no replacing you
But everything was fine, that once upon a time
The lyrics of "Once Upon a Time" by ELO Part II tells a story of a past love that the singer still longs for. The memories of spending time together in the park, running home in the dark, and dreaming of the loved one at night all remain vivid in the singer's mind. The singer admits that the memories have left a scar, but they still cannot help looking for their loved one in a crowd. The chorus repeats the phrase "everything was fine, that once upon a time," conveying the bittersweet emotions that the singer experiences when reminiscing about the past.
The second verse shows the singer coming to terms with the fact that their loved one is gone and they must move on. However, they still cannot shake off the feelings of longing and misery that come with losing someone they cared deeply for. The bridge highlights the difficulty of trying to move on and find someone new when the previous love remains so ingrained in their heart.
Overall, "Once Upon a Time" is a poignant song that captures the complexities of holding onto a past love while attempting to move forward with one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
Meeting you in the park and talking in the pouring rain
Recalling the time when we first met in the park on a rainy day
(oh what a time we had)
Reflecting on the pleasurable experiences shared that day
Running home in the dark and pretending it was all a game
Recalling the fun we had while running together, pretending the world was a mere playground
(oh what a time)
Another instance of cherishing the happy memories made
Those were the days, those were the days
Nostalgically remembering the good old days when everything seemed perfect
Memories of you have really left a scar
Acknowledging that memories of the time spent with you have left a deep wound in my heart
And all that I can do now is to love you from afar
Accepting the fact that distance is the only option now and deeply longing for your presence
'Cause everything was fine
Affirming that once upon a time, everything was perfect
That once upon a time
Reiterating the once ideal situation
Asking you if you'd stay, not believing that you might
Recalling the time when I asked you to stay, not quite believing that there was a chance that you would
Missing you through the day, dreaming of you through the night
Reminiscing on the time spent missing you during the day and dreaming of being with you at night
Though there's no denying that you're nowhere around
Realizing that you're no longer here and accepting the absence
I can't help myself from looking for your face amongst the crowd
Despite being aware of the truth, I continually search for a glimpse of you in the midst of the crowd
Have to leave the past behind me and get on the right track
Acknowledging the need to let go of the past and move on towards the future
Though there's nothing I can say that will ever bring you back
Understanding that there is no verbal remedy that can bring you back to me
I wish I knew for how much longer this misery will last
Expressing the desire to know how long this pain will remain
Can't control these feelings, I'm still living in the past
Admitting that I'm struggling to let go and that I'm still trapped in the past
I've got to build my life again, try to find somebody new
Determined to move forward and search for a new partner
But I know inside my heart of hearts there'll be no replacing you
Admitting that you are irreplaceable and no one can fill your void
But everything was fine, that once upon a time
Reiterating the notion that everything was perfect at some point in time
Contributed by Hudson O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.