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Mary Hopkin — Those Were The Days
Album: Those Were The Days
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 848









Released: 1968
Length: 5:07
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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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 do

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
Oh, we were young and sure did have our way

La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la, la la la la la la la

Then 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 say

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

La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la, la la la la la la la

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

La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la, la la la la la la la

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

La la la la la la
La la la la la la
La la la la, la la la la la la la
Comments (194)add comment
Whao! Flash back moment to Hughie Green and Opportunity Knocks in U.K.  ( Millennials will have to think X Factor in black and white lol ).  I remember Mary Hopkin was ‘discovered’ on that show with this song.  I was made to sit through it as a kid but it clearly stuck with me as I knew exactly what this track was from the very first notes 🙄.  Reading through comments from as far back as 17 years ago it gets either blasted or remembered with reverie and affection.  Whatever your take on this genre I say Thank You to William for stimulating our aging grey matter, long may you continue to do so.  Also, Thank You for your latest email, 04.12.24, which is a fabulous read from beginning to end. CW
Posted 1 week ago by winnieontour    [ Reply ]
Happy memories!!
Posted 1 week ago by jameshay    [ Reply ]
 ojibwe wrote:

Hated it then and still hate it now.




Got to admire consistency 
Posted 1 week ago by meanderer    [ Reply ]
8 years ago springof63 wrote:

Woo Hoo! great to hear this!!
"we're older, but no wiser" never a true-er word spoken. Where'd it all go eh? Sandy Denny next, per-chance?
aye, nostalgia's not what it used to be!


Here in 2024, this not played in 5 years? Or just no comments in that time?
We're older....
Posted 1 week ago by springof63    [ Reply ]
This is old. Can’t recall hearing it on RP before. 
Posted 1 week ago by j.palethorpe    [ Reply ]
...my Oma & Opa would  play this and sing to me in Yiddish   coloradojohn wrote:
Holy smoly mackerel, Batman! What a spectacular, blind-siding blast from the past! My mother played the guitar and sang along to this
 
Posted 5 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Love this. Reminds me of being a little girl when my family was still all together.
Posted 6 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
Hated it then and still hate it now.
Posted 7 years ago by ojibwe    [ Reply ]
Gosh. I don't believe I am hearing this on RP.  What a surprise to remember an iconic track from my childhood.
Posted 7 years ago by hypotenuse    [ Reply ]
Didn't like it when it came out, and still don't like it.
Posted 7 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP for playing this song. My mom is a musician and used to play this in our house growing up in the 70's. I also play it occasionally and it always gets a crowd going, but I haven't actually heard it myself for 30 years. "was that lonely 'fellow'/women' really me" line.. was the only difference in lyrics in not lost in translation all this time. hence I had to register with RP and add this comment.
Posted 7 years ago by jdinunzio    [ Reply ]
La la lala lala ... horrible song.
Posted 7 years ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
I was at the mind-blowing theater experience The Speakeasy and chosen to sit onstage with the actors at the end, and this was the rousing finish. Knowing all the words helped. 
The lead walked by me afterward and quietly said, "You're really good at this."
Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]

I remember eating my breakfast before school, this song playing on AM. Yep, those were the days. Thanks for such eliciting such memories and emotional responses, Bill. This is why RP is so awesome!


Posted 7 years ago by NickDanger    [ Reply ]
is this the long version? {#Whistle}
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Gotta love the Klezmer music.
Posted 7 years ago by snitramc    [ Reply ]
Holy smoly mackerel, Batman! What a spectacular, blind-siding blast from the past! My mother played the guitar and sang along to this
Posted 7 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
I was in Toronto when this hit the airwaves (heh) and was in an actual tavern when this came on the sound system.
First time I ever heard everybody (on their feet) belting out a song...outside a football game where the police kept you at opposite ends, that is. 
Sorry DavidS.
Posted 7 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Timeless. Absolutely timeless.
Posted 7 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
I thought you'd played just about everything Bill. I won't think that again. Wonderful surprise.
Posted 7 years ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
Does this song never end??  Why doesn't the PSD button work?
Posted 7 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
 KurtfromLaQuinta wrote:
I bought this 45 back in the day with my lunch money.
And I still have it.

 
You rock :o)


Posted 7 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
 TomSweetwater wrote:

Groucho...

 
Oops, someone else mentionedthat, the song is still too shrill and dated in my somewhat less than humble opinion.
Posted 7 years ago by TomSweetwater    [ Reply ]
I bought this 45 back in the day with my lunch money.
And I still have it.
Posted 7 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
 Sbed wrote:
Yeah, and I don't even like Celine Dion, that' how elitist I am!

Like Woody Allen said,,I don't want to be in a club that accept someone like me (or you) :(
 
Groucho...
Posted 7 years ago by TomSweetwater    [ Reply ]
Wonderful song.....  :-)
 
Posted 7 years ago by grahamdillabough    [ Reply ]
 alvarorb wrote:
make it stop. This is making me sick!

 
Don't be ridiculous. Why on earth listen to something that makes you sick? YOU make it stop. You have options, kindly allow others theirs.

I had completely forgotten this pop rendition from my early teens, but I was glad to hear it once again. Just once.
Posted 7 years ago by chriswwd65286    [ Reply ]
 Sbed wrote:
Yeah, and I don't even like Celine Dion, that' how elitist I am!

Like Woody Allen said,,I don't want to be in a club that accept someone like me (or you) :(
 
His Marxness sir Groucho, if you don't mind.
Posted 7 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
Yeah, and I don't even like Celine Dion, that' how elitist I am! Like Woody Allen said,,I don't want to be in a club that accept someone like me (or you) :(
Posted 8 years ago by Sbed    [ Reply ]

Posted 8 years ago by Catalytic    [ Reply ]
Haha. 5.9!?! Bravo RP listeners. The more I see these marks, the more I'm in disbelief how elitist RP listeners that rate here generally are.
Posted 8 years ago by maboleth    [ Reply ]
so many wonderful old songs. this was not one of them
Posted 8 years ago by clwguy    [ Reply ]
Crap... just about spat tea all over my keyboard. That's hilarious!
 
ecomaniac wrote:
Edgar Winter Group album cover

Same cover artist? {#Cowboy}

 


Posted 8 years ago by mbolch30307    [ Reply ]
Edgar Winter Group album cover

Same cover artist? {#Cowboy}
Posted 8 years ago by ecomaniac    [ Reply ]
 Highlowsel wrote:
Juuust sayin' is all.
 
As opposed to what?
Posted 8 years ago by dwhayslett    [ Reply ]
Kind of reminds me of Tiny Tim.....
Posted 8 years ago by Lindo525    [ Reply ]
Oh boy....I suppose one of the benefits of our modern technological era is that we can hear/see/witness again almost anything from the past you wish to explore.  And we can do this in unprecedented fashion, giving lie to memories of that which we explore.  Some things, consequently, are better left buried. 

No offense against the singer or those times, but this me thinks be one of 'em.  The lyrics are interesting.  The expression....well...did someone say AM radio?  Yeah....that about sums the delivery.  Did I mention better off buried?  Heh! 

Juuust sayin' is all.

HIghlow
American Net'Zen
Posted 8 years ago by Highlowsel    [ Reply ]
 RazzCat wrote:
Holy crap! Do I ever feel old... :(

But man, those really were the days... :)

 
Right there with you RazzCat! I remember hearing this blare for a single speaker AM radio and thought it was great!

Those were, indeed, the days! 
Posted 8 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
Holy crap! Do I ever feel old... :(

But man, those really were the days... :)
Posted 8 years ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
 springof63 wrote:
Woo Hoo! great to hear this!!
"we're older, but no wiser" never a true-er word spoken. Where'd it all go eh? Sandy Denny next, per-chance?
aye, nostalgia's not what it used to be!

 
yeah, she didn't get older did she.....
Posted 8 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
 crazy_cat wrote:
Just thinking of corny old songs this morning!  but mine was  Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Not the same style really, all corny though!!

 
How about the theme from the TV Batman show?
Posted 8 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
Just thinking of corny old songs this morning!  but mine was  Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Not the same style really, all corny though!!


Posted 8 years ago by crazy_cat    [ Reply ]
Blast from the past!
 
Posted 8 years ago by Chrisparkle    [ Reply ]
 ploba wrote:
now there's an oldie but a goodie!

 
{#Clap} Yepp!!!
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
 karen wrote:
Didn't like it then - still don't like it
 
Yeah, when I heard the opening notes this morning, I thought WTF? But it'll be over soon. And as long as I only hear once every 40 years or so, that's fine.
Posted 8 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Takes me right back.  Sitting with my grandparents listening to the tiny little black and white TV.  Makes me happy to recall but sad to miss them like I do.
Posted 8 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
now there's an oldie but a goodie!
Posted 8 years ago by ploba    [ Reply ]
FLASHBACK - My mom loved this song and played the 45 daily in the 70's
Posted 8 years ago by Jersey_Joe    [ Reply ]
I used to laugh at what I thought was the sillyness of this maudlin song.. remember, we were listening to the stones and Hendrix .. not I find myself wiping a tear 
Posted 8 years ago by professorbill    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this for a while.  Paul McCartney on mandolin. 
Posted 8 years ago by Alastair    [ Reply ]
Wow!  This is a flashback to the "Nixonian Era".  I think my sister had this on a 45, and it somewhat frightened me.
Posted 8 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
La la la la la la,
La la la la la la,
La la la la,
la la la la la la la...

and other like gypsy-"two guitars behind the wall shot themselves together" :)

upd: or "plaintive aching"? :)

 
Posted 8 years ago by ico    [ Reply ]

a large dose of happy wistful melancholy flashback. those were the days, alright.  
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
nice version of an old Russian folk song
at least to me I never heard the original
what say ye Russian listeners 
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Woo Hoo! great to hear this!!
"we're older, but no wiser" never a true-er word spoken. Where'd it all go eh? Sandy Denny next, per-chance?
aye, nostalgia's not what it used to be!
Posted 8 years ago by springof63    [ Reply ]
From the movie "Innocents in Paris"
Posted 9 years ago by Chinto    [ Reply ]
This is part of the diversity that makes Radio Paradise the musical descendant of WNEW-FM (ca. 1973).  Love it!
Posted 9 years ago by mhymowitz    [ Reply ]
 karen wrote:
Didn't like it then - still don't like it

 
no need to worry. Taste is not universal. I happen to like this, hate Kathleen Edwards, so fine. we'll dance and remember things that cranked us up. We'll still be 17 in our aged bodies and we'll still love what we did when we were young. It's not a bad song if you listen to the never let go of your dreams of it.
Posted 9 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
I gave it a 7 at some point but nah, a generous 5. It grated on me decades ago; I guess I was nostalgic or something to give it that 7.
Posted 9 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
Having an All in the family flashback. Stop it please!
Posted 9 years ago by gregaloha    [ Reply ]
Well, now I am sure I remember 1968, when I was five. It stuck in my head like a virus when I was that little kid. Good times.
Posted 9 years ago by MJMJ    [ Reply ]
Didn't like it then - still don't like it
Posted 9 years ago by karen    [ Reply ]
Really not understanding the hate on this one.  A Russian folk song turned into a top 10 hit.  Sorry it's not Led Zepplin or Pink Floyd.  Strangely enough there's all kinds of great music.
Posted 9 years ago by gilesclone    [ Reply ]
Awesome, Bill!  Haven't heard this in ages.{#Bounce}
Posted 9 years ago by scarletdancer    [ Reply ]
I remember this song . . . those were the days.
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 chasech5 wrote:
You know, that's her voice on the Vangelis Blade Runner soundtrack—-"Rachel's Theme."

 
Really?  Cool!  I love that piece — I wonder if Bill would ever consider playing it?
Posted 9 years ago by crogers    [ Reply ]
Wow! I remember listening to the 45 of this when I was five or six!
Posted 9 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
Only on RP!
Posted 9 years ago by jimys    [ Reply ]
Awesome!

You know, that's her voice on the Vangelis Blade Runner soundtrack—-"Rachel's Theme."

You know, we could use more Apple Records output on RP {#Bananajumprope}
Posted 9 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
make it stop. This is making me sick!
Posted 9 years ago by alvarorb    [ Reply ]
 spudboy wrote:
And you know who you were THEN!!!!. Girls were girls and men were men.....
 
{#Clap} Is this from a musical?  Or some kind of comedy song?
It sounds like something from 'Fiddler on the Roof' or the 'Rhoda' TV show.  
Posted 9 years ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
This makes me want to drink German beer in a poorly lighted beer hall and sing along with a bunch of middle aged people.  
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
I find it humorous that this was always sung by singers too young to have an actual past to reminisce about.
Wish I'd said that.
Posted 16 years ago by cochlear    [ Reply ]
I find it humorous that this was always sung by singers too young to have an actual past to reminisce about.
Posted 16 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
And you know who you were THEN!!!!. Girls were girls and men were men.....
Posted 16 years ago by spudboy    [ Reply ]
Yo, fellow listeners: Where's the harm in bringing something into the mix that falls outsided the bounds of what you expect? My guess is that it has been much more than 30 years since this impinged upon my eardrums, but it sure was immediately recognizable. When this was played, on almost exclusively AM radio, it was pretty much in the style of much of that era. Sure, it sounds dated, but that's what time does. My guess is that very little damage results from this being played occasionally here.
Posted 16 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of the Song of the Count from Sesame Street. (click here) Link goes to an "abridged" version. :)
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
Amazing voice! Couldn't think of anyone better to sing that classic. Loosen up harsh critics.
Posted 16 years ago by Mike8888    [ Reply ]
Kind of funny, though.
Posted 16 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
Yet there is something about mary
Posted 16 years ago by gregr79    [ Reply ]
rah wrote:
i'm surprised how many negative comments there are -- what's not to like about a silly, nostalgic, drinking song?
i second that.
Posted 16 years ago by slydevil    [ Reply ]
It's fun with beer!
Posted 16 years ago by kindermanltd    [ Reply ]
A lovely one
Posted 16 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
Kerly wrote:
She looks like Jewtor (Jewel and Tori Amos together), or vice versa
Posted 16 years ago by randomprime    [ Reply ]
Oh wow - I don't think I've heard this one since junior high school....circa 1969? 70? yeGods...
Posted 16 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
thanks, man, this seems brave, to play this, especially considering some of the comments you're getting. I loved this song when I was younger and I think I still love it!
Posted 16 years ago by dadsays    [ Reply ]
my first reaction was "Is this RadioParadise?". My second reaction is "BOR-ING!" And I thought so back on the original....too long ago...
Posted 16 years ago by TeddiB    [ Reply ]
Make it stop! My ears are hurting....
Posted 16 years ago by alvarorb    [ Reply ]
madra wrote:
What's up with that? Was there a German version? It sounds like there could have been but I'm pretty sure he was singing it in English. Was it just wildly popular there, or is there some other cultural reference there that I didn't know?
It was just wildly popular way back when.
Posted 16 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by sarahbean26    [ Reply ]
Huey wrote:
I'm all for eclectic, but this is overboard.
Amen to that......
Posted 16 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
She looks like Jewtor (Jewel and Tori Amos together), or vice versa
Posted 16 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
I'm all for eclectic, but this is overboard.
Posted 16 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]
Anything that reminds me of Hughie Green can't be good.
Posted 17 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Boosiewolf wrote:
OMG! Score one for the Way-Back Machine! I used to love listening to this 45 record when I was little!
When my age was in single digits, I had a cool aunt who was a teenager and her 45 of this was much played. It was deep and meaningful when I was 5. Now, it really is "naff and cheesy". I like it for the memories it conjures but I doubt I could take it for more than 1 playing every ten years.
Posted 17 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
Okay, somebody help me out here... I am having a very strong but somewhat fuzzy flashback from my year as an exchange student in Germany, back in the '80s. I remember a drunken classmate, singing this song and dancing wildly, maybe even crying a little bit. What's up with that? Was there a German version? It sounds like there could have been but I'm pretty sure he was singing it in English. Was it just wildly popular there, or is there some other cultural reference there that I didn't know?
Posted 17 years ago by madra    [ Reply ]
Those were the days of cheese Once is OK, once a month too much.
Posted 17 years ago by drucev    [ Reply ]
Boosiewolf wrote:
OMG! Score one for the Way-Back Machine! I used to love listening to this 45 record when I was little!
Me too! Remember the sleeve it came in? With the one tear rolling down her cheek?
Posted 17 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]
This neither adds nor subtracts any value to and or from Radio Paradise. What am I being sold?
Posted 17 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Made me walk in from the kitchen, just to check! Well done Bill! Now for some Abba?
Posted 17 years ago by Dickieb68    [ Reply ]
siandbeth wrote:
The only song I've ever muted while listening to RP. Bye
I'm with ya!
Posted 17 years ago by Welly    [ Reply ]
Xeric wrote:
Hilarious--if not surprising--rating distribution. Me, I'm leaning way off toward the right edge, there. Great old song. Good memories of singing along with my folks. . . .
Posted 17 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
sad, therefore good, in my book. To each his own, I suppose ...
Posted 17 years ago by federico    [ Reply ]
The only song I've ever muted while listening to RP. Bye
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
Geecheeboy wrote:
A novelty song. I have always considered it a "pay-off" for Sir Paul. I wonder how he feels when he hears it these days. He probably would not want you to play it.
Not a consideration that I, personally, would give a whole lot of weight, these days. . . .
Posted 17 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
A novelty song. I have always considered it a "pay-off" for Sir Paul. I wonder how he feels when he hears it these days. He probably would not want you to play it.
Posted 17 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
WTF? This is surprise, though I'm not sure if it's welcome or not. This song is so naff and cheesy that it's maybe become cool in a retro-kitsch way, a bit like that film Plan 9 From Outer Space. What next - Dana? (No, that's not a suggestion!)
Posted 17 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
OMG! Score one for the Way-Back Machine! I used to love listening to this 45 record when I was little!
Posted 17 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
dooshu mnye razveyet ot toskee.
Posted 17 years ago by BasmntMadman    [ Reply ]
Hilarious--if not surprising--rating distribution. Me, I'm leaning way off toward the right edge, there. Great old song. Good memories of singing along with my folks. . . .
Posted 17 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
I think the last time I heard this was on my white General Electric clock radio, played by either Cousin Brucie or Dan Ingram on WABC-AM! God, I'm old...
Posted 17 years ago by Ja300Mes    [ Reply ]
It's like some sort of lost track from Fiddler on the Roof...
Posted 17 years ago by elara    [ Reply ]
This song was SUCH a childhood flashback - in our mondo album collection resided a hugely overplayed (in our house) Limeliters album - they originally recorded this song - which they adapted from a 1920s Russian folk song called "Darogoi Dlimmoya" (Dear for Me). How about adding the Limeliters version, Bill? :)
Posted 17 years ago by RBS76    [ Reply ]
70s...wedding receptions...bridesmaids in fluffy, pastel chiffon and floppy, wide-brimmed sunhats...
Posted 17 years ago by ambliance    [ Reply ]
It must be at least thirty years since I've heard this. My parents and/or the radio must've played the hell out of this when I was young (I'm 45 now). If you play Beep Beep by the Playmates, my life will be complete.
Posted 17 years ago by spunkyboy62    [ Reply ]
handyrae wrote:
Funny, I always thought this was from the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack. It would be much better as a show tune.
Hahahaaaaa, yes! That was exactly what was going through my mind when I heard this. "Was this a Yente song that didn't make the director's cut in Fiddler?"
Posted 17 years ago by davyjrshort    [ Reply ]
this song reminds me of my mother... cheers Bill I miss you mum
Posted 17 years ago by dbm86698    [ Reply ]
I'm embarassed to be listening to this at work. I mean, I kind of like it, but I also think it's kind of dumb.
Posted 17 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
bluematrix wrote:
lame
yup...yawn......
Posted 17 years ago by Bocephus    [ Reply ]
Ah, I had this on 45 when I was a little girl. Loved it then, still like it now, annoying the hell out of dionysius when I sing it.
Posted 17 years ago by maryte    [ Reply ]