About The Song
The song “Those Were the Days” is credited to Gene Raskin, who adapted new English lyrics to the Russian romance song “Дорогой длинною” (transliteration: “Dorogoy dlinnoyu”), composed by Boris Fomin with words by poet Konstantin Podrevsky. The lyrics evoke nostalgia for carefree youth and romantic idealism, as well as depict tavern activities like drinking, singing, and dancing.
Welsh singer Mary Hopkin recorded “Those Were the Days” as her debut single in 1968. Produced by Paul McCartney of the Beatles and arranged by Richard Hewson, her cover became a number one hit in the UK and Canada. It also reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, second only to the Beatles’ “Hey Jude”. The song was featured on the US version of Mary Hopkin’s debut album, Post Card. The lyrics, combined with Hopkin’s beautiful voice, evoke feelings of longing and yearning for the past.
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
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
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
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