Mary Hopkin - Those Were the Days

"Those Were the Days" is credited to Gene Raskin, who put English lyrics to the Russian gypsy song "Dorogoi dlinnoyu" ("By the long road"). The song is best remembered for Mary Hopkin's 1968 recording, which was a top-ten hit in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Hopkin's version was produced by Paul McCartney under the Apple label. McCourtney also recorded Hopkin singing "Those Were The Days" in four other languages for release in their respective countries: Spain (Que Tiempo Tan Feliz), West Germany (An jenem Tag), Italy (Quelli Erano Giorni) and France (Le temps des fleurs).

The song deals with reminiscence upon youth and romantic idealism.

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.