Introduction:
The Way It Used To Be: A Song of Love Lost and Memories
Engelbert Humperdinck’s “The Way It Used To Be” might sound like a classic from the golden age of pop, but it actually has a surprising origin story. Released in 1969 on Humperdinck’s self-titled debut album, the song is actually an English adaptation of an Italian song titled “Melodia.”
Originally written and composed by Francesco Franco Cassano and Corrado Conti, “Melodia” was released by Italian singer Isabella Iannetti in 1968. Songwriters Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway took the melody and crafted new English lyrics, transforming it into “The Way It Used To Be” for Humperdinck.
The song itself is a poignant ballad about heartbreak and nostalgia. The melancholic lyrics paint a picture of a man alone in a crowded room, haunted by memories of a lost love. The music, while upbeat, has a “bittersweet refrain,” highlighting the contrast between the present sadness and the past happiness.
“The Way It Used To Be” became a signature song for Humperdinck, helping to establish him as a romantic crooner. The song’s themes of lost love and reminiscing resonated with audiences, and it remains a popular choice for those seeking a song that captures the bittersweet pangs of a relationship gone by.
So, as you listen to Engelbert Humperdinck’s smooth vocals and the nostalgic melody of “The Way It Used To Be,” remember that this song has crossed languages and cultures, its message of love and loss finding a universal audience.