The phrase refers to life as it used to be, that is, life lived outside of Paradise as a result of the fall into sin. So the phrase embodies the five elements mentioned in the earlier part of Revelation 21:4 as well as every other bitter effect of the fall (Genesis 4:5, Genesis 4:8, Genesis 4:23; Genesis 6:2, Genesis 6:5; etc).
4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”