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Mary Hopkin – Those Were The Days

About the Song

Those Were the Days by Mary Hopkin is a timeless classic that evokes a sense of wistful longing for a simpler time. Released in 1968, the song quickly became an international sensation, capturing the hearts of listeners with its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Hopkin’s delicate vocals perfectly complement the song’s nostalgic atmosphere, inviting listeners to reminisce about cherished memories. The lyrics paint a picture of carefree youth, a time when the future seemed limitless. The song’s repetitive chorus, “Those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end,” has become a beloved and instantly recognizable refrain.

Those Were the Days is more than just a song; it’s a portal to a bygone era. It serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing life’s simple pleasures and the enduring power of friendship.

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Lyrics: Those Were The Days 

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 doThose 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 wayThen 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 sayThose 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

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

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

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Long before the world called him the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley was simply a poor boy from Tupelo, Mississippi. He grew up in a small two room house where money was scarce and every day was a struggle. There were no promises of success, only a family that worked hard and hoped for a better future. Those difficult years shaped the man Elvis would become.

When Elvis Presley was laid to rest in August 1977, the grief was almost impossible to describe. Family and close friends said their final goodbyes as his casket was lowered into the mausoleum at Forest Hill Cemetery in Memphis. For those who loved him most, it was not just the farewell to the King of Rock and Roll. It was the heartbreaking loss of a son, a father, and a friend whose music had touched millions of lives.

One of the most remarkable things about Elvis Presley’s concerts was something many fans never even noticed. He could guide an entire band without speaking a single word. A simple smile, a nod, a glance, or the slightest movement of his hand was often enough for his musicians to know exactly what to do next.

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