Can a complete beginner play "Those Were The Days"?

Absolutely! The Beginner mode shows large color-coded notes with letter names (C, D, E...). Just match the colors to your keyboard — no music reading needed. "Those Were The Days" is perfect for first-time players.

Do I need to read music to play "Those Were The Days"?

No! Our Beginner mode replaces traditional notation with color-coded letter names. Each note shows exactly which key to press. You can start playing "Those Were The Days" in minutes, even if you've never touched a piano before.

Those Were The Days — Beginner Piano Tutorial

Learn "Those Were The Days" on piano — perfect for absolute beginners. Large color-coded notes show you exactly which keys to press. No music reading required. Key of C, 85 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

Lyrics

(Am)Once up on a (Am6)time there was a (Am6)tav ern We (A)where we used to raise a glass or (Dm)two. Re (Dm)mem ber how we laughed a way the (Am7)ho urs, and (B)dreamed of all the (B9)great things we would (E)do. Those were the (Am)days, my friend. We thought they’d (Dm)nev er end. We’d sing and (G)dance for (G7)ev er and a (C)day; we’d live the (Dm)life we chose, we’d fight and (Am)nev er lose, for we were (E7)young and sure to have our (Am)way. La la la la la la la la la (Dm)la la la those were (F7)the (E7)days, oh yes, those were the (Am)days. (Am)Then the bus y (Am6)years went rush ing (Am6)by us. I (A)lost our star ry no tions on the (Dm)way. Re (Dm)If by chance I’d see you in the (Am7)tav ern, we’d (B)smile at one an (B9)oth er and we’d (E)say. Those were the (Am)days, my friend. We thought they’d (Dm)nev er end. We’d sing and (G)dance for (G7)ev er and a (C)day; we’d live the (Dm)life we chose, we’d fight and (Am)nev er lose, for we were (E7)young and sure to have our (Am)way. La la la la la la la la la (Dm)la la la those were (F7)the (E7)days, oh yes, those were the (Am)days. (Am)days.

Try other practice modes:

Falling Notes Lead Sheet Bar Sheet Simple Sheet

Song Details

Category: Pop
Key: C
Tempo: 85 BPM
Difficulty: easy
Artist: Mary Hopkin

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How to Play "Those Were The Days" on Piano

1
Pick a practice mode — Choose from Fall Down, Beginner, Lead Sheet, Bar Sheet, or Simple Sheet — each mode visualizes the music differently to match your learning style.
2
Practice each hand separately — Use the Left, Right, and Both buttons to isolate the bass or treble part and build muscle memory one hand at a time.
3
Adjust speed and turn on metronome — Slow down to 50% while learning, then gradually speed up. Enable the metronome to keep steady timing.
4
Loop a section — Select a tricky part and loop it until you nail it. Perfect for mastering difficult passages.
5
Download sheet music — Export a PDF of the sheet music to print out and practice on your real piano anytime, anywhere.