Lyrics
Boy, the way Glenn Miller played
Reflecting on the era when Glenn Miller's music was prominent and influential.
Songs that made the hit parade
Referencing songs that achieved popularity and made it to the hit parade charts.
Guys like me we had it made
Expressing a sense of prosperity and success for individuals like the narrator during that time.
Those were the days
Nostalgically recalling the past as a golden age - "Those were the days."
Didn't need no welfare state
Highlighting a period when there was no need for government assistance, and everyone contributed to society.
Ev'rybody pulled his weight
Emphasizing the collective effort and responsibility where everyone carried their own weight.
Gee our old LaSalle ran great
Nostalgia for a time when even the narrator's car, a LaSalle, performed exceptionally well.
Those were the days
Reiterating the sentiment that the past was a time of prosperity and contentment.
And you knew who you were then
Recalling a time when one's identity and values were clearer and more defined.
Girls were girls and men were men
Reflecting traditional gender roles and societal norms of the past.
Mister we could use a man like Herbert Hoover again
Expressing a desire for a leader like Herbert Hoover, suggesting a perceived decline in leadership.
People seemed to be content
Noting a general sense of satisfaction and contentment among the people during that period.
Fifty dollars paid the rent
Indicating that a modest amount of money (fifty dollars) was sufficient to cover rent expenses.
Freaks were in a circus tent
Referring to unconventional or eccentric individuals who were accepted as part of society.
Those were the days
Reiterating the sentiment that the past was a time of joy and nostalgia - "Those were the days."
Take a little Sunday spin
Recreating a leisurely activity, such as a Sunday drive, as a symbol of simple pleasures.
go to watch the Dodgers win
Highlighting the enjoyment of watching the Dodgers win as a source of entertainment.
Have yourself a dandy day
Encouraging the audience to have a great day, reminiscent of carefree times.
That cost you under a fin
Indicating that a wonderful day's expenses were minimal, costing less than five dollars ("a fin").
Hair was short and skirts were long
Describing the fashion trends of the past, with short hair for men and long skirts for women.
Kate Smith really sold a song
Commending Kate Smith, a popular singer of the time, for her ability to sell a song effectively.
I don't know just what went wrong
Expressing uncertainty or confusion about what went wrong since those nostalgic days.
Those were the days
Concluding with the refrain, reiterating the fondness and longing for the past - "Those were the days."
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