Rita Springer - Those Were the Days Lyrics
Lyrics
This is a true story, I grew up on a ranch in California
With a tree house in the front pasture and geese and goats everywhere
This is for the sibs, there are six of us and back then
That was enough for a tag football team, life truly was simple then
I can remember when the sky was so blue
We played cowboys and Indians and can you catch the moon
Girl clubs in the tree-house and the boys, they had to stay out
Wondering what we were doing up there all afternoon
Those were the days when life was a little simpler
Those were the days we didn't have much to say
Those were the days when we looked so forward to winter
And April flowers and the summer rain
We had geese on the front porch and we had goats in the backyard
Daddy was always bringing home a lost soul to free
It's funny what you remember in a house made of timber
Six hungry wide-eyed mouths to feed
There's no place like home
Oh, we had nothing fancy, just welfare and community
And stray dogs we loved and buried in the backyard
Oh, there's no place like home
It's a song if there's a melody, survival if no harmony
It's a choice to make a symphony out of anything at all
I can remember when the sky was so blue
But growing up, it changes, all the things we have to do
I'm thankful for the memories no matter where they take me
And it's always just a little bittersweet too
Those were the days the sky was so blue
Oh, those were the days that I remember You
Video
Those Were The Days
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on September 13, 2005, as part of Rita Springer's album *I Have to Believe*, "Those Were the Days" offers a poignant and deeply personal reflection on childhood, home, and the foundational experiences that shape a life of faith. The song unfolds as a true story, a vivid tapestry woven from memories of growing up on a California ranch. It speaks of a simpler time, marked by a treehouse, playful siblings, and the daily rhythm of animals like geese and goats. Springer paints a picture of youthful imagination, engaging in games of cowboys and Indians, and the innocent curiosity of children discovering their world, where "the sky was so blue." The narrative is not just a nostalgic look back but a testament to how God can imbue ordinary moments with profound significance.
The heart of the song's meaning lies in its exploration of home not merely as a physical structure but as a crucible for character and community. Springer recounts a household that, despite lacking material luxuries, was rich in love, hospitality, and resilience. The image of "Daddy was always bringing home a lost soul to free" speaks volumes about a family rooted in compassion and an open-door policy, echoing the biblical call to welcome strangers (Hebrews 13:2) and care for the vulnerable. This environment, where "nothing fancy, just welfare and community" thrived, nurtured a spirit of generosity and resourcefulness. Even the detail of loving and burying stray dogs in the backyard underscores the deep capacity for care and the reality of both joy and sorrow within their humble existence.
A powerful theological thread emerges as Springer defines home as "a song if there's a melody, survival if no harmony / It's a choice to make a symphony out of anything at all." This profound insight moves beyond sentimentality, revealing that the essence of a thriving home—and indeed, a thriving life—is an active decision to cultivate beauty and purpose, even amidst dissonance or hardship. It is a reflection of the Spirit's work in transforming trials into triumphs, much like Romans 8:28 assures us that "in all things God works for the good of those who love him." This perspective reminds us that our circumstances do not define our capacity for joy or meaning; rather, our perspective and reliance on God do.
As the song progresses, it acknowledges the bittersweet truth of growing up, where the simplicity of childhood gives way to the complexities of adult responsibilities. Yet, this transition is met not with regret, but with gratitude. Springer expresses thanks for the memories, recognizing their enduring impact, even as they evoke a touch of wistfulness. This mature reflection aligns with Psalm 103:2, which urges us to "forget not all His benefits." The ultimate revelation, and the song’s spiritual anchor, arrives in the concluding lines: "Oh, those were the days that I remember You." This declaration transforms a personal memoir into a spiritual witness. It testifies that within the fabric of her childhood memories—the blue skies, the family bonds, the simple provisions, the acts of kindness—she can discern the faithfulness and presence of God. It's an encouragement to find God not just in grand spiritual experiences but in the quiet, formative moments of our past, understanding that He has always been there, nurturing and preparing us, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11, that He has plans for our welfare and a future filled with hope. "Those Were the Days" is an inspiring reminder to cherish our roots, embrace community, and intentionally choose to see God's hand in every chapter of our lives, transforming our personal stories into a symphony of His grace.