About the song
“Those Were the Days” is a timeless song that bridges cultures and generations. Originally composed by Boris Fomin, a Russian musician, and with lyrics by Konstantin Podrevsky, the melody was known as “Dorogoi dlinnoyu” in its native Russian. The English lyrics, which many now associate with the song, were penned by Gene Raskin. The song reminisces about youth, romance, and the simple joys of life, including the lively atmosphere of tavern gatherings where people sang, danced, and enjoyed each other’s company.
The song gained widespread popularity when Welsh singer Mary Hopkin released it as her debut single in 1968. Produced by Paul McCartney of The Beatles and arranged by Richard Hewson, Hopkin’s version became a major hit. It soared to number one on the UK and Canadian charts and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States, just behind The Beatles’ “Hey Jude”. It was also a hit in France, where it topped the newly launched French National Hit Parade.
The song’s journey to fame began long before Hopkin’s rendition. Early recordings were made by Georgian singer Tamara Tsereteli and Russian singer Alexander Vertinsky in the mid-1920s. It also appeared in the 1953 film *Innocents in Paris*, performed by Russian Tzigane singer Ludmila Lopato. Gene Raskin, who first adapted the song into English, performed it with his wife Francesca around New York’s Greenwich Village, eventually gaining the attention of Paul McCartney.
McCartney was captivated by the song and decided to record it with Mary Hopkin at Abbey Road Studios. He was instrumental in the song’s arrangement, incorporating unique instruments like the balalaika, clarinet, and cimbalom to give it a distinctive sound that emphasized its Russian roots. This arrangement contributed to the song’s chart-topping success and its enduring appeal.
The song’s popularity led to numerous covers in various languages and adaptations. Its melody was used in diverse contexts, including sports chants and advertisements. Despite its broad appeal and numerous recordings, Mary Hopkin’s version remains the most iconic, encapsulating the nostalgia and warmth of the original tune.
Over the years, “Those Were the Days” has remained a beloved classic, reflecting a universal sense of longing for the past and the enduring charm of a well-crafted melody.
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