Remember days of yesterday
And how it flew so fast
The two score and a year we had,
I thought would always last

The summer days and west coast dreams,
I wished would never end
A young boy and his father,
Idol and best friend

I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
A lifetime together
I'll never forget

Morning shows on the radio
The case of the missing dog
Lying on the fields at the only twelve
Watching Harold and Maude

Record shops, the stick-ball fields
My home away from home
When we weren't together
The hours on the phone

I'll always remember
Those were the best of times
I'll cherish them forever
The best of times

But then came the call
Our lives changed forever more
You can pray for a change
But prepare for the end

The fleeting winds of time
Flying through each day
All the things I should have done
But time just slipped away
Remember "seize the day"
Life goes by in the blink of an eye
There's so much left to say

These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day

Thank you for the inspiration
Thank you for the smiles
All the unconditional love
That carried me for miles
It carried me for miles
But most of all thank you for my life

These were the best of times
I'll miss these days
Your spirit led my life each day
My heart is bleeding bad
But I'll be okay
Your spirit guides my life each day


Lyrics submitted by The Letter M, edited by Octavarium64, lourencostm, Nettacki, theniceguyhere

The Best of Times Lyrics as written by John Petrucci John Myung

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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The Best of Times song meanings
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23 Comments

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  • +6
    General Comment

    This song made tears pour from my eyes. That, my friends, that kind of connection with your listener is what makes Dream Theater so great.

    sdpdton June 21, 2009   Link
  • +3
    General Comment

    Klom, this is a simple math problem.

    Mike was born in April 1967, and considering that he probably wrote the song before April of last year, the time they had together was about 41 years. They were not together before Mike was born.

    wakingcrowon January 14, 2010   Link
  • +2
    My Opinion

    Another thing that came to mind today: The part of the song right before/as the first vocals kick in remind me of Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John. There are other similarities; a very minor, Gothic beginning followed by an upbeat, almost ecstatic guitar riffs, lyrics about death, similar song length..

    Thunderbolton June 26, 2009   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    The Guitar solo at the end is unbelievable

    adv666on June 27, 2009   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    This is one inspiring song, My son plays awesome guitar and I have requested him play this at my funeral I have three sons and one grandson who I love to bits and don't want to leave, but I know it has to happen. To go out on this song would mean so much.........

    mitsimanon July 09, 2010   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This is one of my favorites from this album (they all are, but whatever) I love how deep and inspirational the lyrics are.

    The music was absolutely brilliant, from the opening piano/violin duet, to the "Hollow Years" theme brought in a few times throughout, to the amazing guitar solo at the end.

    Simply put, this is an amazing song. What else do you expect from Dream Theater? :)

    Beonaamon June 04, 2009   Link
  • +1
    My Interpretation

    Maybe it's just me but the acoustic guitar at the beginning of the song reminds me very much of the theme song from the movie The Deer Hunter.

    I find this song very touching, uplifting even, contrary to the subject. John Petrucci kicks ass with his excellent solo at the end. Gives me goosebumps.

    Traveller69on July 14, 2009   Link
  • +1
    My Opinion

    one thing obout the lyrics. This already says:

    "Morning shows on the radio The Case of the Missing Dog Lying on the pillows at the old 812 Watching Harold and Maude"

    Which for me it's fine, I tell you this because I've bought the album and it has the lyrics and I also can interpretate that when I'm listening to this song.

    A great one from DT by the way. One thing, sad and too bad, Mike Portnot has recently left Dream Theater!! :( :( :(

    WishfulThinkson September 12, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Any help on the second verse would be great!

    This has to be the most touching song DT has written in years- musically and lyrically, it's probably my favorite song off the album, and will surely be a concert staple for years! I think this would make a great concert ender or even encore! Can't wait to hear it live!

    -Marc.

    The Letter Mon May 19, 2009   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning

    It's about Howard Portnoy.

    2006200720082009on May 20, 2009   Link

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