Mary Hopkin – “Those Were the Days” (1968)

A waltz through time, memory, and the bittersweet ache of growing older.

Released in the autumn of 1968, “Those Were the Days” introduced the world to Welsh folk singer Mary Hopkin, and in doing so, gave a voice to an entire generation’s nostalgia. Produced by Paul McCartney and released on Apple Records — The Beatles’ newly launched label — the song became an instant classic, soaring to #1 in the UK and #2 on the US Billboard charts.

Based on a Russian folk tune called “Dorogoi dlinnoyu”, the English adaptation by Gene Raskin transformed it into a universal ballad of reminiscence. With lyrics that reflect on lost youth, faded dreams, and the golden glow of days gone by, the song struck a powerful emotional chord amid the social upheaval of the late ’60s.

“Those were the days, my friend / We thought they’d never end / We’d sing and dance forever and a day…”

Hopkin’s ethereal, clear soprano floats above a richly textured arrangement — complete with mandolins, strings, and a distinctly Eastern European flair. The track’s waltz-like rhythm gives it a timeless, almost cinematic quality, pulling listeners into a sepia-toned world of laughter, music, and moments that slipped quietly away.

 In a time of cultural revolution, “Those Were the Days” offered a poignant contrast — a song not of rebellion, but of reflection. It reminded listeners that even as the world changed rapidly, the memories we carry still hold power.

More than a hit, it became a signature song — not just for Mary Hopkin, but for anyone who’s ever looked back on youth with a bittersweet smile. And as one of Apple Records’ first major successes, it helped cement the label’s eclectic, boundary-pushing legacy.

Still today, the song is used in films, covered across languages, and sung by those remembering their own golden days. Its magic lies in the way it makes us all feel — like we’re sitting in that café again, raising a glass to the friends we once were.