About the song
In the realm of 1960s pop music, Mary Hopkin emerged as a fresh-faced newcomer, her delicate vocals and charming demeanor capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Among her many memorable hits, “Those Were The Days” stands as a timeless ballad, a wistful ode to the joys and innocence of youth, tinged with a touch of nostalgia and regret for the passage of time.
Released in 1968 as Hopkin’s debut single, “Those Were The Days” quickly ascended to the top of the charts, reaching number one in the United Kingdom and Canada, and number two in the United States. The song’s popularity propelled Hopkin to international stardom, establishing her as one of the most promising young talents of the era.
Penned by the Russian songwriter Boris Fomin with original lyrics in Russian, the song’s English version was written by Gene Raskin, who captured the essence of the original while adding a touch of British sensibility. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing for the carefree days of childhood, the simple pleasures of youth, and the bittersweet realization that those days are gone forever.
Hopkin’s delivery of the song is both tender and heartfelt, her voice perfectly conveying the nostalgic emotions at the heart of the lyrics. She sings with a touch of innocence and wistfulness, capturing the essence of someone looking back on their youth with a mixture of fondness and regret.
The song’s arrangement, featuring a gentle acoustic guitar strumming, a touch of strings, and a subtle flute melody, perfectly complements the lyrics and Hopkin’s performance. It creates an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection, allowing the song’s message of nostalgia and remembrance to fully resonate with the listener.
Beyond its commercial success and cultural impact, “Those Were The Days” has received critical acclaim for its songwriting, arrangement, and Hopkin’s performance. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Cher, Neil Diamond, and Plácido Domingo, further cementing its place in popular music history.
Today, “Those Were The Days” remains a beloved classic, a song that continues to evoke feelings of nostalgia and wistfulness in listeners of all ages. Hopkin’s delicate vocals and the song’s gentle melody have ensured that it will continue to resonate with generations to come, serving as a timeless reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and the enduring power of memories.