Those Were the Days

Pook Siprin Bellini

From the earliest moments of the planning for this reunion with Mike Sellazzo several years ago, there has been great anticipation of the celebration of our 50th reunion.  Time passed quickly and, before I knew it, we were down to a year, and then 6 months, and then a month, days, and, finally, the time arrived to celebrate this special Class of '65 event.

As I made the drive from my cousin's home in NJ to Peekskill, I drove through beautiful Harriman State Park.  Somewhere within the park, I decided to put on the 60s music channel on Sirius XM radio.  The very first song that I heard was THOSE WERE THE DAYS.  Wow!  What an appropriate beginning to our reunion weekend!  

Below are the lyrics and here is a video of Mary Hopkin singing this great song:  THOSE WERE THE DAYS

Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And dreamed of all the great things we could do

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.

Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I'd see you in the tavern
We'd smile at one another and we'd say

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
La la la la...

Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
La la la la...

Through the door there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh my friend we're older but no wiser
For in our hearts the dreams are still the same

Those were the days my friend
We thought they'd never end
We'd sing and dance forever and a day
We'd live the life we choose
We'd fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days
La la la la...