Those Were The Days
Strouse Charles - Lee Adams Lyrics
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songs that made the hit parade
Guys like me we had it made
Those were the days
Didn't need no welfare state
ev'rybody pulled his weight
gee our old LaSalle ran great
Those were the days
girls were girls and men were men
Mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again
People seemed to be content
fifty dollars paid the rent
freaks were in a circus tent
Those were the days
Take a little Sunday spin
go to watch the Dodgers win
Have yourself a dandy day
that cost you under a fin
Hair was short and skirts were long
Kate Smith really sold a song
I don't know just what went wrong
those were the days
In the song "Those Were the Days" by Strouse Charles and Lee Adams, the lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The song reflects on a time when life seemed simpler and more enjoyable. It begins by mentioning Glenn Miller, a popular musician known for his hit songs in the 1940s, which made the hit parade. This suggests that music played a significant role in people's lives during that time.
The next few lines reminisce about how things were easier and more prosperous. The singer mentions that "guys like me" had it made, implying a sense of ease and success. The reference to not needing a welfare state and "ev'rybody pulled his weight" depicts a time when hard work and self-sufficiency were valued. The mention of an old car, the LaSalle, running great reflects a sense of pride in possessions and the ability to maintain them.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the importance of a strong sense of identity and traditional gender roles. The lyrics state, "And you knew who you were then, girls were girls and men were men." This line suggests a longing for a simpler time when societal norms were less fluid and traditional gender roles were more clearly defined.
Towards the end of the song, there is a reference to a man like Herbert Hoover, who was the president of the United States during the Great Depression. This line expresses a desire for a strong and capable leader, hinting at a dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.
Overall, the lyrics of "Those Were the Days" highlight a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era when life appeared simpler, people were content, and societal roles were more defined. The song reminisces about a time when music, hard work, and a strong identity were valued.
Line by Line Meaning
Boy, the way Glenn Miller played
I remember the enchanting melodies performed by Glenn Miller
songs that made the hit parade
Those songs were so popular and reached the top of the charts
Guys like me we had it made
People like me had a comfortable and successful life
Those were the days
That period of time was filled with nostalgia and fond memories
Didn't need no welfare state
We didn't rely on government assistance or welfare
ev'rybody pulled his weight
Everyone took responsibility and contributed their fair share
gee our old LaSalle ran great
Wow, our old LaSalle car ran really well
Those were the days
That period of time was filled with nostalgia and fond memories
And you knew who you were then
Everyone had a clear sense of their identity back then
girls were girls and men were men
Gender roles were more defined and traditional
Mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again
We could greatly benefit from a leader like Herbert Hoover once more
People seemed to be content
It appeared that people were satisfied and happy
fifty dollars paid the rent
Rent could be covered with just fifty dollars
freaks were in a circus tent
Unconventional or eccentric individuals were found at the circus
Those were the days
That period of time was filled with nostalgia and fond memories
Take a little Sunday spin
Enjoy a leisurely drive on a Sunday
go to watch the Dodgers win
Attend a baseball game to see the Dodgers emerge victorious
Have yourself a dandy day
Enjoy a splendid and delightful day
that cost you under a fin
And all of this could be experienced for less than five dollars
Hair was short and skirts were long
Men had shorter haircuts while women wore longer skirts
Kate Smith really sold a song
Kate Smith was incredibly talented at delivering captivating performances
I don't know just what went wrong
I'm unsure about the specific reasons for the changes that occurred
those were the days
That period of time was filled with nostalgia and fond memories
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES STROUSE, LEE ADAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GawgaCracka
Fact is "THOSE WERE THE DAYS".
Mac
the original is better