About the song
Mary Hopkin, a Welsh singer with a voice that could melt the coldest heart, graced the stage of The Ed Sullivan Show in 1968 with a performance that would forever be etched in the minds of millions. Her rendition of “Those Were the Days,” a traditional Russian folk song adapted by Gene Raskin, was a revelation that captivated audiences across generations.
The song’s simple yet evocative lyrics painted a nostalgic picture of simpler times, a world where life moved at a slower pace, and worries were fewer. The refrain, “Those were the days, my friend, those were the days,” echoed with a bittersweet longing for a bygone era. Hopkin’s delicate vocals, infused with a touch of melancholy, perfectly captured the song’s emotional depth.
The Ed Sullivan Show, a cultural phenomenon in the late 1960s, provided the ideal platform for Hopkin’s breakthrough. The variety show’s massive audience ensured that her performance reached a wide and diverse demographic. As she stepped onto the stage, dressed in a flowing gown that accentuated her ethereal beauty, the anticipation in the air was palpable.
Hopkin’s performance was a masterclass in subtlety. She didn’t need flashy theatrics or pyrotechnics to captivate the audience. Instead, she relied on the power of her voice and the song’s timeless appeal. Her interpretation was both heartfelt and understated, allowing the lyrics to speak for themselves.
The song’s popularity soared after Hopkin’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. It quickly climbed the charts and became a global hit. The simple melody and relatable lyrics resonated with people of all ages, making it a cultural touchstone of the era.
“Those Were the Days” continues to be a beloved classic, its enduring appeal a testament to Hopkin’s talent and the song’s timeless message. It’s a reminder of a simpler time, a nostalgic snapshot of a world that has changed dramatically. But even as the world moves forward, the song’s message remains relevant, reminding us of the importance of cherishing the good times and the enduring power of human connection.
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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