Oh, what happened to you?
Whatever happened to me?
What became of the people we used to be?
Tomorrow’s almost over, today went by so fast
It’s the only thing to look forward to: the past.
There was a time when time didn’t matter
Only the time of day,
And living was living in hope
Which would never pass away.
Well, it was a Monday morning when weekend was done
Fear was the fear of being what we had become.
Oh, what happened to you?
Whatever happened to me?
What became of the people we used to be?
Tomorrow’s almost over, today went by so fast
It’s the only thing to look forward to: the past.
You say I’m a fool in a fool’s paradise
Let my life slip away,
Waiting with my head in the clouds
Lookin’ for a sunny day.
Never go back, you tell me it’s the worst thing you can do
But I must go there till I find out where it is I’m going to.
Oh, what happened to you?
Whatever happened to me?
What became of the people we used to be?
Tomorrow’s almost over, today went by so fast
It’s the only thing to look forward to: the past.
Series Opening Credits
A Theme for Changing Times
The Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? theme song is widely regarded as one of the most poignant openings in British sitcom history. Written by Mike Hugg (of Manfred Mann fame) and series co-creator Ian La Frenais, the lyrics perfectly capture the central theme of the show: the clash between nostalgic working-class roots and the aspiration of the middle class in the 1970s.
The line “It’s the only thing to look forward to: the past” serves as the show’s unofficial motto. While Bob (Rodney Bewes) tries to embrace a modern, suburban lifestyle with his fiancée Thelma, Terry (James Bolam) remains a cynical observer, clinging to his old ways after five years in the Army. The song, performed by the session group Highly Likely, sets a melancholic yet catchy tone for their misadventures in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a sequel to another show?
Yes. It is the sequel to the 1960s series The Likely Lads. While the original was in black and white and focused on the boys’ youth, the 70s sequel deals with them reaching their 30s and facing the realities of adulthood.
Where was the show set?
The show is set in Newcastle upon Tyne and the surrounding North East area. The opening credits are famous for showing the changing landscape of the city during the early 70s urban redevelopment.
What happened to the cast after the show?
Despite their on-screen chemistry, Rodney Bewes and James Bolam famously had a falling out after the series ended and did not speak for over 40 years until Bewes’ death in 2017.
Was there a movie?
Yes! Following the success of the TV series, a feature-length film simply titled The Likely Lads was released in 1976.
