Verse 1 We’d lie out in the backyard, staring at the sky, Counting all the shooting stars as they went drifting by. Grass stains on our blue jeans, summer in the air, We thought those nights would last forever, Like the world would always be there. We’d play hide and seek till the evening shadows grew, Running through the neighborhood like there was nothing else to do. Then Mama’s voice would call us, but we’d pretend we didn’t hear, Till those old street lights flickered on— That meant it was time to disappear. Chorus Oh, those were the days, When a summer night could last forever, When a bicycle and a ball Could make you feel ten feet tall. We were young, and we were free, Never knew how fast the years could fly. If I could go back one more time, I’d chase those dreams beneath that sky. Yeah, I’d go back in a heartbeat To the days when we were young, Before we ever knew How fast the good times run. Verse 2 We’d race our bikes down gravel roads, handlebars held tight, Then meet down at the old park just before the fading light. And down beside the water, there was never any fear, We’d climb up on those weathered docks And jump into the summer air. We’d dare each other higher, laughing all the way, Like tomorrow was a million miles, and nothing changed from day to day. And somewhere in those summers, I remember wondering why My heart would start beating faster When she looked me in the eye. Chorus Oh, those were the days, When a first kiss could shake your whole world, When a little bit of courage Could make you feel like a man. We were young, and we were free, With forever written somewhere in our minds. If I could go back one more time, I’d leave the future far behind. Yeah, I’d go back in a heartbeat To the days when we were young, Before we ever knew How fast the good times run. Bridge Friday night at somebody’s house, Sleeping bags across the floor, Flashlights underneath the blankets, Swearing we were scared no more. Ghost stories in the darkness, Every shadow came alive, Then somebody heard the hallway creak— And we all came running outside. Verse 3 Now the bikes are gone, and the old park looks different, The docks have weathered years of rain. The neighborhood got quieter, And nothing feels the same. But sometimes when the evening falls And I see that summer sky, I swear I hear those kids again Laughing as they ride on by. Final Chorus Oh, those were the days, When the whole wide world was ours to wander, When the stars seemed twice as bright And every road went on forever. We were young, and we were free, And we never thought we’d say goodbye. If I could go back one more time, I wouldn’t change a thing— I’d just stay a little longer
