About the song
Mary Hopkin, a Welsh singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1960s, delivered a timeless classic with “Those Were the Days.” The song, a simple yet poignant ballad, has endured as a cherished piece of musical history. Its enduring appeal lies in its nostalgic lyrics, infectious melody, and Hopkin’s emotive vocals.
Released in 1968, “Those Were the Days” was a departure from the psychedelic rock sounds dominating the charts at the time. Instead, it offered a refreshing dose of folk-pop, reminiscent of the traditional music Hopkin grew up with. The song’s arrangement is sparse, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and Hopkin’s delicate vocals. This simplicity allows the lyrics to take center stage, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era.
The song’s lyrics evoke a sense of longing for a simpler time, a nostalgic look back at childhood days filled with carefree innocence. Hopkin sings about playing games, chasing butterflies, and building sandcastles. The imagery is universal, resonating with listeners of all ages who can relate to the joy and wonder of childhood.
The repeating chorus, “Those were the days, my friend, those were the days,” serves as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time. It’s a bittersweet sentiment that acknowledges the passage of time while also celebrating the beauty of cherished memories. Hopkin’s vocals are filled with emotion, conveying a sense of both longing and contentment.
“Those Were the Days” quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. It remains one of Hopkin’s most enduring legacies, a testament to her talent as a singer and songwriter. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and transport listeners to a simpler time. It’s a reminder that while the world may change, the beauty of childhood memories endures.
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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