About the song
Mary Hopkin, a Welsh singer-songwriter who emerged in the late 1960s, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her ethereal voice and poignant lyrics. One of her most enduring songs, “Those Were the Days,” released in 1968, is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Written by Gene Raskin, a renowned American folk singer and songwriter, “Those Were the Days” is a nostalgic ballad that paints a vivid picture of a simpler time. The song’s melancholic tone and evocative imagery evoke a sense of longing for the past, a sentiment that has universal appeal. Hopkin’s delicate vocals perfectly complement the song’s emotional depth, infusing it with a sense of vulnerability and tenderness.
The song’s arrangement is relatively simple, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment and Hopkin’s unadorned vocals. This stripped-down approach allows the lyrics to take center stage, emphasizing the song’s emotional impact. The repeating refrain, “Those were the days, my friend, those were the days,” serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era.
“Those Were the Days” quickly became a hit upon its release, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart. Its success can be attributed to its timeless appeal, as well as Hopkin’s distinctive vocal style. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to evoke strong emotions and connect with audiences on a deep level.
In conclusion, Mary Hopkin’s “Those Were the Days” is a classic song that continues to captivate listeners decades after its release. Its poignant lyrics, melancholic tone, and Hopkin’s ethereal vocals combine to create a timeless masterpiece that has earned its place in the annals of popular music history.
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