About the song
“Those Were the Days” is a poignant musical journey through nostalgia and longing, originally composed by Boris Fomin with lyrics by Konstantin Podrevsky under the title “Dorogoi dlinnoyu.” This Russian romance song was later adapted with new English lyrics by Gene Raskin, capturing themes of youthful idealism and fond recollections.
The song gained widespread popularity through Welsh singer Mary Hopkin’s rendition, marking her debut single in 1968. Produced by none other than Paul McCartney of the Beatles and arranged by Richard Hewson, Hopkin’s version soared to number one on the UK and Canadian charts, while also peaking at number two on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. Its success was emblematic of the era, capturing hearts with its evocative lyrics and memorable melody.
Historically, “Those Were the Days” had earlier recordings by Georgian singer Tamara Tsereteli in 1925 and Russian singer Alexander Vertinsky in 1926, showcasing its enduring appeal across different regions and languages. The song’s adaptation into English by Gene Raskin and its subsequent recording by Mary Hopkin propelled it to global fame, solidifying its status as a beloved classic.
Paul McCartney’s involvement in producing Hopkin’s rendition added a layer of musical finesse, blending acoustic guitar with unconventional instruments like the balalaika, clarinet, and cimbalom, lending the track a unique klezmer feel. The song’s arrangement also included a children’s chorus, contributing to its nostalgic charm and broad appeal.
“Those Were the Days” not only topped charts but also inspired multiple international adaptations in languages such as Spanish, German, Italian, and French, each preserving the song’s essence while catering to diverse audiences worldwide. Artists like Dalida and Sandie Shaw also recorded versions in different languages, further extending its reach and influence.
Beyond its musical achievements, “Those Were the Days” holds cultural significance, becoming a fixture in popular culture through its inclusion in films and advertisements. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of reminiscence and the passage of time, resonating with listeners across generations.
In conclusion, “Those Were the Days” remains a timeless testament to the power of music in evoking memories and emotions, capturing the essence of an era while transcending cultural boundaries. Mary Hopkin’s rendition, shaped by the genius of Paul McCartney and the musical landscape of the 1960s, continues to enchant audiences, ensuring its place among the most cherished classics of all time.
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