"The Way It Used To Be" by Engelbert Humperdinck is a heartfelt ballad that explores themes of nostalgia, lost love, and longing. The song describes a lonely protagonist sitting at a table for one in a lively, crowded room. As the music plays, he reminisces about happier times, raising a toast to memories in the midst of the gloom. Despite the music being familiar, it now has a bittersweet undertone due to the changes brought about by his lost love. He pleads for the song to be played the way it used to be before she left, as it now represents sadness. The protagonist hopes that if his ex-lover happens to pass by the window, she will hear their love song and be reminded of the beautiful melody they once cherished. The lyrics demonstrate the protagonist's yearning for the past and his desire to evoke memories of their love. He acknowledges that the words may not be as tender as they were, but he hopes that the melody alone will trigger her memories of their time together. The song also touches on the protagonist's ability to outwardly appear happy and unaffected by the loss, while hiding the pain inside. Overall, "The Way It Used To Be" is a poignant reflection on lost love and the power of music to evoke memories and emotions. It conveys a sense of longing for a past relationship and the hope that those memories can somehow bring back the love and happiness that has been lost.
