His music reflects his interest and love for a variety of music including Latin music, country, blues, jazz and vintage rock and roll.
He started playing bass guitar while in high school and was a member of a small band playing the high school dance circuit. That band was known alternately as The Boys, The Tom Boys, and The Basics with Malo sharing vocal duties with guitarist, Tommy Anthony. In 1990, he became the vocalist for the four-man band, The Mavericks, for whom he penned most of the songs. In the vein of his singing idol Roy Orbison, Malo's soaring tenor voice helped the band create a unique blend of traditional Country music and 1950's Rock 'n' Roll. Evolving to an eclectic blend of Latin rhythms, classic country, jazz, pop and western swing, the Mavericks became one of the top American bands of the 1990s. They were voted by the Academy of Country Music, "Top Vocal Group and "Top New Vocal Group" in 1994. They were voted "Vocal Group of the Year" by the Country Music Association in 1995. On the same year, they won a Grammy for "Best Country Performance by a Group or Duo" for the song "Here Comes the Rain" from the album "Music For All Occasions".In 1996, they won again "Vocal Group of the Year" by the Country Music Association. . And on the same year, in London, England, they were awarded " Best Live Performance By a Group", " Best Vocal Performance by an Artist"," Best Vocal Group of the Year" and " Best International Touring Artist of the Year" by CMA- Europe. In Ireland, 1996, they won " Best Group of the Year" by the Irish Country Music Association.
Those Were The Days
Raul Malo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Songs that made the hit parade
โจGuys like me we had it madeโจ
Those were the days
โจDidn't need no welfare state
โจEv'rybody pulled his weightโจ
Gee our old LaSalle ran great
โจAnd you knew who you were then
โจGirls were girls and men were menโจ
Mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again
โจPeople seemed to be content
โจFifty dollars paid the rent
โจFreaks were in a circus tentโจ
Those were the days
โจTake a little Sunday spinโจ
go to watch the Dodgers winโจ
Have yourself a dandy day
โจThat cost you under a fin
โจHair was short and skirts were longโจ
Kate Smith really sold a songโจ
I don't know just what went wrongโจ
Those were the days
The lyrics to Raul Malo's song "Those Were the Days" evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a bygone era. The first verse reminisces about the music of Glenn Miller, which had a significant influence on the hit parade and brought joy to people's lives. The singer reflects on how back then, people like him felt fortunate and had a sense of prosperity. There was no need for a welfare state because everyone took responsibility and contributed their fair share. The mention of the old LaSalle car running great reinforces the idea of a simpler, more contented time.
The second verse highlights the societal roles and stereotypes prevalent in that era. Men were men and women were women, with distinct roles and expectations. The line about needing a man like Herbert Hoover again emphasizes a desire for strong, capable leadership. The lyrics also point out that people seemed satisfied with their lives, and fifty dollars was enough to pay the rent. The mention of "freaks in a circus tent" suggests that even those who were considered outside the norm or eccentric were accepted and embraced.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy, the way Glenn Miller played
We fondly remember the way Glenn Miller played his music
Songs that made the hit parade
Those songs were so popular and widely loved that they made it to the top of the charts
Guys like me we had it made
People with backgrounds like mine were fortunate and enjoying a comfortable life
Didn't need no welfare state
We didn't rely on government assistance because we were self-sufficient
Ev'rybody pulled his weight
Everyone took responsibility and contributed their fair share
Gee our old LaSalle ran great
Our old LaSalle car ran incredibly well
And you knew who you were then
During that time, people had a strong sense of identity and knew their place in society
Girls were girls and men were men
There was a clear distinction between genders, with distinct cultural expectations
Mister, we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again
We long for a leader similar to Herbert Hoover, who would provide stability and guidance
People seemed to be content
The general population appeared to be satisfied and at peace
Fifty dollars paid the rent
Rent was affordable, with only fifty dollars being enough to cover it
Freaks were in a circus tent
Unconventional and eccentric individuals were usually found in a circus setting
Those were the days
That era is often remembered as a time of nostalgia and fond memories
Take a little Sunday spin
Go for a leisurely drive on a Sunday
go to watch the Dodgers win
Attend a baseball game to support the Dodgers and hope for their victory
Have yourself a dandy day
Experience a wonderful and enjoyable day
That cost you under a fin
All of this could be achieved with a cost of less than five dollars
Hair was short and skirts were long
Hairstyles for both men and women were short, while women typically wore longer skirts
Kate Smith really sold a song
Kate Smith was an exceptional singer who captivated audiences with her performances
I don't know just what went wrong
We're uncertain about the factors that led to the present situation being different and possibly worse
Those were the days
Once again, we reflect on and cherish those times as special and memorable
Lyrics ยฉ Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gene Raskin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Bohm
Raul-Please continue even after 20!-These tunes put a smile on my face each time I listen. May you and your family Stay Healthy-and to all who listen as well.
Kerry G
A awesome instrumental. Whatever Raul does..... He does it with "Style" I'm liking those shades he's wearing. Gives him a suave look. ๐ค ๐ ๐
Kendra Jarvis
SAME! I love them!
Sonja van der Wielen
Hello again! Nice to see and hear you๐ค Suddenly I see Edith and Archie Bunker sitting behind a piano and โsingingโ Those were the days๐๐
Pluscelamemechose
Yes, I was remembering childhood laughter and joy at their foibles. Those truly were the days. This song is breaking my heart.
Bob Standen
Raul should have his own desert island to bring out his creative juices. Very good.
Janice D'CUNHA
Missed Quarantunes in the past few days. However, Raul is back to bring that smile on every face with his rendition of Those were the Days.
Thanks Raul.๐๐๐งกโค
Kenneth Souza
Thank you again, Raul. Great to see and hear you in real time, if not in concert. Looking forward to that again!
MarkB 1181
So damn talented. This was fantastic Raul ๐ฏ๐ฏ
P Mac
Listening to this made me think of brother, who loved this show when he was a kid. This April will be three years he left us. Thank you for lovely tune and sweet memories ๐๐๏ธ