About the song
Mary Hopkin – Those Were The Days
Let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the late 1960s. A time of bell-bottoms, peace signs, and a certain British singer-songwriter who captured the hearts of millions with her sweet, innocent voice. Mary Hopkin was that singer, and her biggest hit, “Those Were The Days,” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Originally a Russian folk song, “Those Were The Days” was adapted into English by American songwriter Gene Raskin. Hopkin’s rendition, released in 1968, became an international sensation, topping the charts in several countries. The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics paint a picture of simpler times, a world where friends gathered at a tavern, laughed, and dreamed of endless possibilities.
What makes this song so enduring? Perhaps it’s the nostalgic longing for a carefree youth that we all experience as we grow older. Or maybe it’s the universal themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time that resonate with people from all walks of life. The song’s gentle melody and Hopkin’s delicate vocals create a warm, comforting atmosphere that invites listeners to reminisce about their own cherished memories.
The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery that transports the listener to a bygone era. Phrases like “raise a glass or two” and “laughed away the hours” evoke feelings of camaraderie and joy. The repeated line, “Those were the days,” serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing our memories.
Beyond its commercial success, “Those Were The Days” has also had a significant cultural impact. The song has been covered countless times by artists from various genres, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows. It’s a testament to the song’s enduring appeal that it continues to be discovered by new generations of listeners.
In conclusion, Mary Hopkin’s “Those Were The Days” is more than just a popular song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has captured the hearts of millions. The song’s simple yet powerful message about friendship, nostalgia, and the passage of time has made it a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
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