About the song
“Those Were the Days” is more than just a catchy pop tune; it’s a song steeped in history, cultural exchange, and a touch of controversy. Originally a Russian romance song titled “Dorogoi dlinnoyu,” the melody embarked on a fascinating journey that saw it transformed into a global pop phenomenon.
The song’s original roots lie in the early 20th century, composed by Boris Fomin with lyrics penned by poet Konstantin Podrevsky. It captured the essence of nostalgia, reflecting on the joys of youth, romantic idealism, and the lively atmosphere of taverns filled with singing, dancing, and laughter.
In the 1960s, the melody crossed paths with American folk musician Gene Raskin. Inspired by the song, Raskin, along with his wife Francesca, crafted new English lyrics that evoked a similar sense of longing for the past. This new iteration, titled “Those Were the Days,” found its way into the repertoire of The Limeliters, a popular folk group, further propelling the song into the American consciousness.
However, the song’s true meteoric rise came courtesy of The Beatles’ Paul McCartney. A frequent visitor at London’s “Blue Angel” club, McCartney was captivated by the song performed by the Raskins. Recognizing its potential, he sought to introduce it to a wider audience. After unsuccessful attempts to convince other artists to record it, McCartney, with the newly formed Apple Records, took matters into his own hands.
Enter Mary Hopkin, a young Welsh singer discovered on a talent show. Under McCartney’s production and Richard Hewson’s arrangement, Hopkin’s rendition of “Those Were the Days” became an instant sensation. The song’s unique instrumentation, featuring instruments like balalaika and cimbalom, lent a touch of Eastern European flair, further adding to its charm. Released in 1968, the song topped charts across the globe, becoming a defining hit of the era.
The story of “Those Were the Days” doesn’t end there. The song’s catchy melody has transcended language barriers, being translated and performed by artists worldwide. Interestingly, the song’s success also sparked a legal battle concerning songwriting credits, highlighting the complex nature of cultural exchange in the music industry.
Despite the controversies, “Those Were the Days” remains a beloved classic. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of a good melody and the universal themes of nostalgia and reminiscing about the past. From its humble beginnings as a Russian romance to its chart-topping glory, “Those Were the Days” continues to capture hearts and remind us of the simple pleasures of life.
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