About the song
In the world of music, there are songs that transcend time and cultures, speaking to the hearts of people across generations and borders. “Those Were the Days” is one such song, a poignant and nostalgic melody that has captured the imagination of listeners worldwide. Composed by Boris Fomin in 1900, the song’s original Russian lyrics were penned by Konstantin Podrevsky, while Gene Raskin’s English adaptation in 1962 brought the song to a global audience.
The song’s early history is marked by its association with Georgian singer Tamara Tsereteli and Russian singer Alexander Vertinsky, who recorded it in 1925 and 1926, respectively. However, it was Mary Hopkin’s 1968 recording, produced by Paul McCartney and arranged by Richard Hewson, that catapulted the song to international fame. The song’s chart-topping success in the UK, Canada, and the US, as well as its number one spot on the French National Hit Parade, cemented its place in music history.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its nostalgic and romantic themes, which evoke a bygone era of youth and idealism. The melody’s klezmer-inspired instrumentation, featuring balalaika, clarinet, and hammered dulcimer, adds to its unique charm. Over the years, “Those Were the Days” has been recorded in over twenty languages and by numerous artists, including Dalida and Sandie Shaw.
The song’s fascinating history is also marked by controversy and lawsuits. Gene Raskin successfully sued a New York company for using the melody in a commercial without permission, highlighting the importance of copyright protection. The song’s association with the Beatles and Apple Records has also contributed to its enduring popularity.
In this article, we will delve into the rich history of “Those Were the Days,” exploring its origins, its rise to fame, and its impact on popular culture. We will also examine the song’s enduring appeal and its continued relevance in today’s music landscape.
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