Introduction:
“Those Were the Days,” an enduring classic by Welsh singer Mary Hopkin, was released as a single on August 30, 1968, in the UK. Produced by Paul McCartney, it was one of the very first releases on The Beatles’ newly formed Apple Records label. While initially a standalone single, it was later included on various international versions of Hopkin’s debut album, Post Card, which was released in February 1969. The song is best categorized as folk pop, blending traditional folk sensibilities with a contemporary pop arrangement. Its roots lie in a much older Russian romance song, “Dorogoi Dlinnoyu” (By the Long Road), composed by Boris Fomin with lyrics by Konstantin Podrevsky in the early 20th century, with the English lyrics written by Gene Raskin in 1962.
“Those Were the Days” became an astonishing global success, catapulting Mary Hopkin to international stardom almost overnight. It soared to number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, holding the top spot for six weeks. In the United States, it achieved remarkable success as well, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, held from the top by none other than The Beatles’ own “Hey Jude.” The song also topped the charts in Canada and secured number one positions in numerous other countries worldwide. Its immense popularity is reflected in its sales figures, with global sales topping an incredible 8 million copies, earning it a gold disc by the RIAA in the United States for selling over 1.5 million copies. The song’s nostalgic melody and bittersweet lyrics resonated with audiences across generations, making it a timeless hit. Its cultural impact was significant, becoming a quintessential song of the late 1960s and a poignant reflection on simpler times. “Those Were the Days” remains Mary Hopkin’s signature song and a testament to the power of a well-crafted, emotionally resonant piece of music to transcend language barriers and achieve widespread appeal.