About the song
Let’s dive into the nostalgic realm of music with Mary Hopkin’s timeless classic, “Those Were the Days.” This enchanting melody takes us on a journey down memory lane, evoking emotions of longing and reflection.
Penned by Gene Raskin, “Those Were the Days” first emerged as a Russian romance song, “Dorogoi dlinnoyu,” in the 1920s. However, it wasn’t until Mary Hopkin’s rendition in 1968 that it soared to international fame. The song found its home in her debut album, “Postcard,” released under The Beatles’ Apple Records label.
Mary Hopkin’s angelic voice, coupled with the folk-inspired arrangement, captured the hearts of listeners worldwide. The song’s wistful lyrics reminisce about the golden moments of youth, encapsulating the universal experience of fondly recalling bygone days.
Upon its release, “Those Were the Days” ascended the music charts, securing the top spot in the United Kingdom and several other countries. Its enduring popularity led to numerous cover versions by various artists, cementing its status as a classic.
As we listen to Mary Hopkin’s melodic rendition, we’re transported to a time of innocence and simplicity, where memories linger like old photographs. “Those Were the Days” stands as a testament to the power of music in preserving moments that resonate across generations, reminding us to cherish the beauty of the past.
Video
Lyrics
Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
Think of all the great things we would do?
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way
La-la-la-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da, la-da-da-da-da
Then the busy years went rushing by us
We lost our starry notions on the way
If by chance I’d see you in the tavern
We’d smile at one another and we’d say
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days
La-la-la-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da
Just tonight I stood before the tavern
Nothing seemed the way it used to be
In the glass I saw a strange reflection
Was that lonely woman really me?
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days
La-la-la-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da
Through the door, there came familiar laughter
I saw your face and heard you call my name
Oh, my friend, we’re older but no wiser
For in our hearts, the dreams are still the same
Those were the days, my friend
We thought they’d never end
We’d sing and dance forever and a day
We’d live the life we choose
We’d fight and never lose
Those were the days, oh yes, those were the days
La-la-la-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
La-la-la-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da, da-da-da-da-da
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la
La-la-la-la-la-la-la