He released several recordings through Columbia Records (later on Dot and through direct television advertising) and sold over 2,000,000 records in 1953 alone. Liberace's highly colored style of piano playing was characterized by some critics as fluid and lyrical but technically careless.
the way we were
Liberace Lyrics
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Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Or has time rewritten every line
If we had the chance to do it all again
Could we?
Memories may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember
The way we were
The way we were
Liberace's "The Way We Were" is a touching composition that reflects on past relationships, poignant memories, and lost love. Through the lyrics, the singer speaks about how memories light the corners of his mind, and despite the passing of time, he remembers the way things used to be. The song is nostalgic, but also captures the idea that time has a way of changing things, rewriting every line, and erasing some of the best moments.
As the lyrics progress, the singer speaks about how painful memories can be, and how people often choose to forget them rather than dwell on them. Instead, he chooses to remember the laughter, the smiles, and the good times, and these positive emotions outweigh the negative ones. The song concludes with a final reflection on the way things were, and how the singer will always have these memories.
Overall, "The Way We Were" is a song that captures the bittersweet reality of life, where even though some things are lost, memories can keep them alive. It's a powerful message that speaks to anyone who has experienced loss, nostalgia, or heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Memories light the corners of my mind
Recollections, both simple and complex, reside in the far reaches of my thoughts.
Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
Remembrances of days gone by often take on a nostalgic hue, rosily reflecting on the past.
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
Photographic evidence of our happy past is a scattered, but tangible reminder of what once was.
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
We exchanged smiles in happy, carefree times, when life was simpler and easier.
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Reflection makes us question if life was truly simpler or if our perception of it has changed with time.
Or has time rewritten every line
The act of remembering, or misremembering, can change the meaning of events as we age and mature.
If we had the chance to do it all again
Reflecting on the past may lead to a desire to have a second opportunity to enjoy life's happy times over again.
Tell me, would we?
Could we?
Is it possible to recapture the joy of the past or will our efforts ultimately fall short, leaving us with only bittersweet memories?
Memories may be beautiful and yet
Our past experiences may have been beautiful and wonderful, but they come with the baggage of time's inevitable taint.
What's too painful to remember
Often we cannot control our memories, they choose to remember things that we often wish to forget.
We simply choose to forget
However, as humans, we have the capacity to purposefully forget things that are too sad or difficult to remember.
So it's the laughter we will remember
Despite the challenges of time and memory, we can choose to focus on the good times and happy moments of the past when life was fun and carefree.
Whenever we remember
The way we were
The way we were
When reminiscing about the past and all its complexities, we try to recapture the essence of our younger, simpler selves, and everything we once were.
Lyrics © Tratore, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind