Mary Hopkin – Those Were The Days

About The Song

“Those Were The Days” was a song written by Gene Raskin and first recorded by the American folk group The Sandpipers in 1968. The song was later covered by Mary Hopkin, who released her version in 1968. Hopkin’s version of the song was a global hit, reaching number one in 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Hopkin’s version of the song was a nostalgic take on the past, with lyrics that looked back on a time of youthful innocence and carefree days. The song’s lyrics are full of vivid imagery, and Hopkin’s gentle vocals help to create a sense of longing and wistfulness. “Those Were The Days” was a huge hit in 1968, and it remains a popular song today. It has been covered by many other artists, including Dolly Parton, Neil Young, and Linda Ronstadt. The song is a reminder of the simple pleasures of life, and it continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Video

Lyric

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