Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).
As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.
He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.
The Way We Were
Perry Como Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The lyrics to Perry Como's song The Way We Were are a poignant exploration of the power of memories, and how they can both comfort and hurt us. The opening lines, "Memories light the corners of my mind / Misty water-colored memories of the way we were" set the stage for a trip down memory lane, invoking the hazy, dreamlike quality of recollection. The scattered pictures of the smiles left behind, and the smiles given to one another, speaks to the joy that memories can bring - a reminder of happier times.
However, the song takes a turn when the singer muses on the simplicity of those memories, and wonders if time has "rewritten every line." This speaks to the way in which memories can become distorted over time, losing their original context and becoming awash in the rosy tint of nostalgia. The singer then asks an unanswerable question - if given the chance to do it all again, would they? Could they? This is a common thought when reflecting on the past, and one that is likely to haunt many listeners.
Perhaps the most resonant aspect of The Way We Were is its acknowledgment that not all memories are beautiful - in fact, some are too painful to remember. The final lines, "So it's the laughter we will remember / Whenever we remember / The way we were / The way we were" offer a bittersweet conclusion to the song. The singer acknowledges that memories can be both happy and sad, but chooses to focus on the positive - the laughter that they shared with the person they remember.
Line by Line Meaning
Memories light the corners of my mind
The memories are deeply ingrained and ever-present in my thoughts
Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
The memories are hazy and inexact, but still hold great emotional significance
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
The pictures are fragmented, but still evoke feelings of happiness and contentment
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
The gestures of joy were given freely and easily, reflecting the simplicity of the relationship
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Questioning the ease and naturalness of the past relationship
Or has time rewritten every line
Reflecting on the potential changes in perspective over the years
If we had the chance to do it all again
Considering the possibility of a hypothetical do-over
Tell me, would we?
Questioning whether the relationship would be the same or different
Could we?
Wondering if the relationship could be replicated in its original form
Memories may be beautiful and yet
Acknowledging the beauty of memories while recognizing that they can also be difficult to confront
What's too painful to remember
Acknowledging the existence of painful memories that we may try to forget
We simply choose to forget
We may repress difficult memories for our own mental health and wellbeing
So it's the laughter we will remember
Despite the existence of difficult memories, we will hold onto the joyful moments
Whenever we remember
The memories will always be present, both the good and the bad
The way we were
The song is a reflection on a past relationship and all the emotions and memories it evokes
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind