The Good Old Days
Eels Lyrics


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I know I'm not too much of a bargain
And you know that's not what you bargained for
As the hours turn into days
Pretty soon lost in the haze
It's up to you and me
And who's to say
These could be the good old days
I like waking up after a bad dream
Makes it feel like life ain't bad
Little kids go out to play
They're just happy it's another day
It's up to you and me
And who's to say
These could be the good old days

I guess I could be a quiet hero
No one knows the good I've done
You're not sure, well that's okay
Cause I am and I'm not afraid
It's up to you and me




And who's to say
These could be the good old days

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Eels's song The Good Old Days convey a message of appreciating the present moment and acknowledging that they could become a nostalgic memory in the future. The opening verse suggests a lack of self-worth, highlighting the notion that the singer doesn't consider themselves a desirable catch. However, they suggest that it's up to the person they are addressing and themselves to make the most of the current situation. The phrase "lost in the haze" emphasizes the fleeting nature of time, suggesting that we should appreciate each moment as it happens because it won't last forever. The chorus "These could be the good old days" reinforces this sentiment, suggesting that the present moment, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could hold immense value in the future.


The second verse delves deeper into the theme of appreciating the little things in life. The singer notes that waking up after a bad dream makes them realize that life isn't all that bad. They then observe the joy of children playing, suggesting that even the smallest things, like waking up from a nightmare or playing with friends, can bring happiness. Again, the chorus reiterates the message that we should appreciate these moments, no matter how insignificant they may seem.


The final verse suggests that one doesn't need to be a hero in the traditional sense to do some good. It's more important to believe in oneself and the good that they do, even if others don't recognize it. The emphasis is on being confident in oneself and not worrying about external validation. This theme ties in with the song's overarching message of appreciating the present moment and recognizing its potential value in the future.


Line by Line Meaning

I know I'm not too much of a bargain
I am aware that I may not be the best catch


And you know that's not what you bargained for
And you knew this before getting involved with me


As the hours turn into days
Time passes by quickly


Pretty soon lost in the haze
Before you know it, your time here is gone


It's up to you and me
Everything that happens is in our control


And who's to say
There is no telling


These could be the good old days
These might be the best times of our lives


I like waking up after a bad dream
It feels great to wake up from a nightmare


Makes it feel like life ain't bad
Makes life feel less terrible


Little kids go out to play
Children go out and enjoy life


They're just happy it's another day
They are content with just being alive


I guess I could be a quiet hero
I could be a good person without drawing attention to myself


No one knows the good I've done
The good that I do goes unnoticed


You're not sure, well that's okay
It does not matter if you doubt me


Cause I am and I'm not afraid
I am confident and not scared


It's up to you and me
What happens next is in our control


And who's to say
It is impossible to know for sure


These could be the good old days
These moments could be the best times of our lives




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARK O. EVERETT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

icebear3

Listening to this song I feel that this could indeed be the good old days. Both me and the love of my life just love this song. See you next time you perform in Europe, as always ;-)

runninglikewind

This guy is just the best there is. If he was the first singer /songwriter you ever bumped into I'm here to tell you its all down hill after E

DotdotdotRob

21 years old. Next month i'm turning 22. My father thinks i'm going no where. My mother wants everyone to hate me. My sister always wanted me dead. My girlfriend left me because she thought i loved my best friend more than her. My best friend left me because she loved her boyfriend more than me. My brother lives 10 states away. I live in a studio apartment next to a daycare so i can't be loud or have people over. But i still smile. And this band helps me do that. E gets me through life.

BlistersOnMyFingers8

There are no words to describe how I feel when I hear this song....... :D

espilehiyo

Been listening to Eels since i was 12. I wish I could see them live someday.

elis talis

i really want to listen to them live for once...

TubeDupe

Wow. Sends eels down my spine.

Chandu

Can never go away from this song. I like waking up after a bad dream. Feels like life aint bad.

Bobsunckle1

:D I love his songs!

Bo Sybert

Beautiful....

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