About the song
Mary Hopkin’s “Those Were the Days”
“Those Were the Days” is a song written by Russian-born songwriter Boris Fomin with English lyrics by Gene Raskin. The song was originally written in 1943 with the Russian title “Dorogoi dlinnoyu” (Дорогой длинною), which translates to “Along the Long Road”. The song became a popular hit in the Soviet Union in the 1940s and 1950s, and was covered by many artists, including أشهرهم Людмила Зыкина (Ludmila Zykina).
In 1968, Mary Hopkin, a young Welsh singer who had just won a talent contest on the BBC television show “Opportunity Knocks”, recorded an English-language version of the song for her debut album, “Postcard”. Hopkin’s version was produced by Paul McCartney, who was one of the judges on “Opportunity Knocks” and had been impressed by her singing.
The song was released as a single in the United Kingdom in November 1968 and reached number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 1969. It also became a hit in many other countries, including the United States, where it reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Hopkin’s version of “Those Were the Days” is a gentle, wistful ballad that captures the nostalgia of looking back on a happy time in one’s life. The song’s lyrics speak of the carefree days of youth, when everything seemed possible and the future was full of promise.
The song’s simple, yet elegant melody is perfectly suited to Hopkin’s pure, clear voice. Her singing is understated, yet emotionally powerful, and she imbues the song with a sense of longing and regret.
“Those Were the Days” is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners. It is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of nostalgia and longing for the past. The song’s simple, yet powerful message of hope and resilience has made it an enduring favorite.
Some interesting facts about the song:
- The song has been covered by many artists, including Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, and Perry Como.
- The song was used in the soundtrack of the 1969 film “The Sterile Cuckoo”.
- The song was also used in a 1971 episode of the popular American sitcom “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”.
- In 1999, “Those Were the Days” was voted number one on a list of the top 100 British songs of the 20th century by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Why is “Those Were the Days” such a popular song?
There are many reasons why “Those Were the Days” is such a popular song. First, the song has a simple, yet beautiful melody that is easy to remember and sing along to. Second, the song’s lyrics are relatable to people of all ages, as they speak to the universal human experience of nostalgia and longing for the past. Third, Mary Hopkin’s pure, clear voice is perfectly suited to the song’s gentle, wistful ballad style. Finally, the song’s message of hope and resilience is an uplifting one that resonates with listeners.
If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel nostalgic and hopeful, then “Those Were the Days” is the perfect song for you. It is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed by generations of listeners, and it is sure to become a favorite of yours as well.