The Way We Were

Album: The Way We Were soundtrack (1973)
Charted: 31 1
Play Video
  • Memories light the corners of my mind
    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
    And if we had the chance to do it all again
    Just tell me, tell me, would we, would we?
    Could we, could we?

    Memories may be beautiful and yet
    So many memories too painful to remember
    The way we were

    Can it be that it was all so simple then
    Or has time rewritten every line (or has time rewritten)
    And if we had the chance to do it all again
    Tell me would we, would we?
    Ah could we, could we?

    Memories may be beautiful and yet (may be beautiful and yet)
    Much too painful to remember
    We simply choose to forget
    So it's the laughter that we will remember (I know)
    Whenever we remember
    The way we were
    The way we were (I miss you baby)
    The way we were (oh I miss you so much baby)
    I miss the way we were
    The way we were Writer/s: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
    Publisher: CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Tratore
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn April 20th 1975, "The Way We Were/Try to Remember" by Gladys Knight and the Pips entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #80; fourteen weeks later on July 27th, 1975 it peaked at #11 {for 1 week} and spent 17 weeks on the Top 100...
    It reached #2* {for 1 week} on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Tracks chart...
    * The week it was at #2 on the Adult Contemporary chart, the #1 record for that week was "Every Time You Touch Me (I Get High)" by Charlie Rich.
  • Camille from Toronto, OhIncredible lyrics, incredible music, incredible vocals. The combination makes for an amazing song that'll tug at your heartstrings every time you hear it. Who doesn't want to forget the pain and remember the laughter? Superb, all around.
  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn February 2nd, 1973 "The Way We Were" reached #1, it stayed there for one week, then "Love's Theme" by the Love Unlimited Orchestra moved into the #1 spot. But a week later "The Way We Were" reclaimed the top spot for the next two weeks!!!
  • Karen from Manchester, NhAlthough I love this version, one that I love is from the opening of "Fame" - the auditions. The dramatic reading of it, the mother crying and snapping pictures...it's what I picture every time I hear it...and laugh...
  • Farrah from Elon, NcI once had a friend who said she used this song in her wedding(I think she married around th time this song was a hit). It's the best song Barbra Streisand ever recorded.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.