About the song
Those Were the Days is a song written by Gene Raskin and sung by Mary Hopkin. It was released in 1968 and became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other countries. The song is a wistful look back at a simpler time, and it has become a classic of the folk-pop genre.
The song’s lyrics are simple but effective. They tell the story of a young woman who is reminiscing about her childhood. She remembers the good times she had with her friends and family, and she longs for those days to return. The song’s message is one of nostalgia and longing, and it has resonated with listeners of all ages for generations.
Mary Hopkin‘s performance of “Those Were the Days” is definitive. Her voice is pure and clear, and she perfectly captures the song’s gentle sentiment. The song’s instrumental backing is simple but effective, with a gentle acoustic guitar and piano accompaniment.
“Those Were the Days” has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, Elton John, and Cher. It has also been used in many films and television shows, including The Wonder Years, The Sopranos, and The Big Bang Theory.
Is “Those Were the Days” the greatest folk-pop song of all time? That’s a matter of opinion, but there’s no doubt that it’s one of the most beloved and enduring songs of its genre. Its message of nostalgia and longing is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, and its beautiful melody and simple lyrics continue to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song was written by Gene Raskin, who put new English lyrics to the Russian song “Dorogoi dlinnoyu”.
- The song was originally released in 1968.
- The song reached number one in the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other countries.
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Dolly Parton, Elton John, and Cher.
- The song has been used in many films and television shows, including The Wonder Years, The Sopranos, and The Big Bang Theory.
“Those Were the Days” is a classic folk-pop song that has stood the test of time. Its message of nostalgia and longing is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, and its beautiful melody and simple lyrics continue to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.