These Are the Days of Our Lives is a tender, reflective ballad from Queen's 1991 album Innuendo , written by Roger Taylor with contributions from Freddie Mercury. Clocking in at around 4:05, it captures a wistful nostalgia for youth's carefree joy, juxtaposed with the bittersweet reality of time's passage. With its gentle melody and Mercury's emotive delivery, the song explores themes of love, loss, and enduring connection, reflecting on life's fleeting moments while affirming lasting affection. Its introspective tone resonates deeply, especially given Mercury's health struggles during its creation.
Innuendo -
These Are the Days of Our Lives
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Lyric line
Interpretation & Notes
Verse 1 — Nostalgia for youth 0:00–0:40
1
Sometimes I get to feelin'
Introduces a reflective mood, hinting at nostalgia.
2
I was back in the old days, long ago
Longing for the past, evoking memories of simpler times.
3
When we were kids, when we were young
Emphasizes innocence and freedom of childhood.
4
Things seemed so perfect, you know
Idealizes youth as a time of unblemished happiness.
5
The days were endless, we were crazy, we were young
Recalls boundless energy and carefree adventures.
6
The sun was always shinin'
Uses sunlight as a metaphor for joy and optimism.
7
We just lived for fun
Highlights a life driven by pleasure and spontaneity.
Bridge — Present struggles 0:40–1:00
8
Sometimes it seems like lately
Shifts to the present, introducing doubt and reflection.
9
I just don't know
Expresses uncertainty about life's current state.
10
The rest of my life's been just a show
Suggests a sense of inauthenticity or emotional disconnect.
Chorus — Enduring love 1:00–1:40
11
Those were the days of our lives
Summarizes the past as a cherished, defining era.
12
The bad things in life were so few
Contrasts past simplicity with present complexities.
13
Those days are all gone now, but one thing is true
Acknowledges loss of the past but holds onto a constant.
14
When I look, and I find, I still love you
Affirms enduring love as a timeless anchor.
Verse 2 — Acceptance of time 1:40–2:20
15
You can't turn back the clock, you can't turn back the tide
Accepts the inevitability of time's progression.
16
Ain't that a shame
Expresses regret for the inability to reclaim the past.
17
Ooh, I'd like to go back one time on a roller coaster ride
Yearns for the thrill and simplicity of youth.
18
When life was just a game
Recalls youth as a playful, carefree experience.
19
No use in sitting and thinkin' on what you did
Advises against dwelling on past mistakes.
20
When you can lay back and enjoy it through your kids
Suggests reliving youth vicariously through children.
Bridge — Embracing the present 2:20–2:40
21
Sometimes it seems like lately
Reprises the introspective tone, reflecting on now.
22
I just don't know
Reiterates uncertainty, emphasizing life's ambiguity.
23
Better sit back and go with the flow
Encourages acceptance and living in the moment.
Chorus — Fleeting time, lasting love 2:40–3:20
24
'Cause these are the days of our lives
Shifts to the present, valuing current moments.
25
They've flown in the swiftness of time
Highlights the rapid passage of life.
26
These days are all gone now, but some things remain
Acknowledges loss but points to enduring constants.
27
When I look, and I find, no change
Affirms the constancy of love despite time's passage.
Final Chorus — Timeless love 3:20–4:05
28
Those were the days of our lives, yeah
Reprises nostalgia with added emotional weight.
29
The bad things in life were so few
Reinforces the idealized view of the past.
30
Those days are all gone now, but one thing's still true
Reiterates the loss of youth but holds onto love.
31
When I look, and I find
Builds anticipation for the song's emotional core.
32
I still love you
Climaxes with a powerful declaration of enduring love.
33
I still love you
Repeats for emphasis, sealing the song's message.
Reading guide: A tender reflection on youth and love, These Are the Days of Our Lives balances nostalgia with acceptance of time's passage. Themes of past vs. present , loss vs. endurance , and regret vs. love weave a poignant narrative. Roger Taylor's heartfelt lyrics, paired with Freddie Mercury's soulful delivery, create an emotional journey that celebrates life's fleeting joys while affirming the constancy of love.
These Are the Days of Our Lives — Tech Specs
Album
Innuendo (1991)
Recorded
1989–1990, Metropolis Studios (London) & Mountain Studios (Montreux)
Genre
Soft rock / Ballad
Length
4:15
Producer(s)
Queen & David Richards
Composer
Roger Taylor (credited to Queen)
Lyrics Theme
Nostalgia, reflection, and acceptance; often read as Freddie’s farewell message.
Band Line-up
Freddie Mercury – lead vocals
Brian May – guitars, backing vocals
Roger Taylor – electronic drums, keyboards, backing vocals
John Deacon – bass guitar
Brian May – guitars, backing vocals
Roger Taylor – electronic drums, keyboards, backing vocals
John Deacon – bass guitar
Technical Personnel
David Richards – co-producer, engineer, programming
Notable Features
Gentle electronic drum pattern programmed by Taylor.
Smooth guitar phrases by Brian May, restrained and melodic.
Mercury’s fragile yet powerful vocal delivery, among his last filmed performances.
Music video (1991) — Mercury in black/white, considered his poignant farewell to fans.
Smooth guitar phrases by Brian May, restrained and melodic.
Mercury’s fragile yet powerful vocal delivery, among his last filmed performances.
Music video (1991) — Mercury in black/white, considered his poignant farewell to fans.