“Those Were the Days” is a timeless folk song popularized by Welsh singer Mary Hopkin in 1968, launching her into international stardom. Signed to The Beatles’ Apple Records after being discovered on a British talent show, Hopkin, with her clear, angelic voice, brought a delicate yet powerful quality to the melancholic tune. Produced by Paul McCartney, the song quickly became a global phenomenon.
The song, originally a Russian folk song titled “Dorogoi Dlinnoyu” (Дорогой длинною), was adapted with English lyrics by Gene Raskin. “Those Were the Days” reminisces about the past, reflecting on youthful exuberance and carefree times spent with friends. It evokes a feeling of nostalgia and a bittersweet longing for simpler days, reminding listeners that while time marches on and things change, memories and friendships remain precious. The song captures a universal human experience of looking back on the “good old days” with fondness, tinged with the understanding that they are gone.
“Those Were the Days” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one in the UK Singles Chart and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Hopkin’s recording also garnered her numerous awards and cemented her place in music history. The song resonated deeply with audiences worldwide, who connected with its themes of camaraderie, remembrance, and the inevitability of change. Its widespread appeal is evidenced by countless cover versions and its continued presence in popular culture, solidifying its status as a classic and enduring ballad about the power of memory and the passage of time. Even today, listeners praise Hopkin’s emotive delivery and the song’s poignant lyrics, appreciating its ability to evoke a sense of shared history and personal reflection.