the way we were
Santo 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
"The Way We Were" is a classic song that was written by Marvin Hamlisch and Alan Bergman along with Marilyn Bergman for the movie of the same name that starred Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford. The movie, released in 1973, is a poignant love story that follows the relationship between Katie Morosky (Streisand) and Hubbell Gardiner (Redford) from their college days in the 1930s to the McCarthy era in the 1950s. The song captures the essence of their relationship and serves as a tribute to the memories they made together.
The first verse of the song describes the memories that the singer has of their past relationship. The memories are described as "misty water-colored memories" which gives the impression that they are fading away but the emotions attached to them are still strong enough to be felt. The second verse poses a question of whether the memories are really as simple as they seem or if time has colored them with a different hue. The chorus suggests that, painful as some memories may be, they are still worth treasuring, especially the happy memories of laughter and joy.
The overall theme of the song seems to be that the past is something that we should hold on to and cherish, even if it only exists in our memories. Memories are the only thing we truly get to keep after a relationship ends and the song encourages us to hold on to the good memories, even if it hurts to remember the not-so-good.
Line by Line Meaning
Memories light the corners of my mind
My recollections of the past seem to be etched into my brain, almost like a spotlight shining in the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories of the way we were
My memories of the past are a bit hazy but still vivid with emotion, represented by the soft colors of a watercolor painting
Scattered pictures of the smiles we left behind
I have pictures of us from the past where we left happy and genuine smiles behind, and these pictures are scattered throughout my memories
Smiles we gave to one another for the way we were
We smiled at each other for just being ourselves, for enjoying each other's company, and for the memories we were making
Can it be that it was all so simple then
Looking back, it seems like life was so much easier, uncomplicated, and straightforward back then
Or has time rewritten every line
Perhaps memories have been altered or possibly forgot over time, where maybe some interpretations have changed or events that happened are forgotten
If we had the chance to do it all again
If we had a second opportunity to relive and experience life events and times from the past, would we take it?
Tell me, would we?
I want to know if we would take that opportunity, given a second chance at life and memories
Could we?
Are we capable of either repeating the events and memories again, or would it be impossible due to factors such as time and age?
Memories may be beautiful and yet
Even though memories can carry with them so much emotion and beauty,
What's too painful to remember
There are some memories that are too painful to revisit or bring up in conversation because of the negativity they carry with them
We simply choose to forget
We tend to ignore or forget the painful memories and focus on the happy and positive ones instead
So it's the laughter we will remember
While some negative memories may stick around, it's the happy times and the joyous laughter we shared with each other that stays on our minds and pops up more often
Whenever we remember
Every time we look back and recall our memories, these feelings and emotions tend to resurface
The way we were
The memories we shared together, our personalities and interactions, the times and the experiences we had, that is 'the way we were.'
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
Written by: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind