SLS 4/01/18 – “Those Were The Days”

This week Helen, at “This Thing Called Life, One Word At A Time“, picked “Days” as her topic for Song Lyric Sunday.

I knew my song the instant I saw the topic. “Those Were The Days” by Mary Hopkin is a song that just about anyone can relate to. Even though on the surface it may seem depressing, it is about how dreams in youth don’t go away. They just get buried in reality.

I recently reconnected with many of my friends from high school. With 40 years in between, a lot has happened to change and mold us. However, I can see a lot of sameness as well. One friend, who I had a bond with over his love for drawing and mine for writing, stands out. While our paths went in ways we didn’t expect, we never lost those passions.

I have included all of the verses and the chorus because they are necessary to get the full picture. But it is Hopkin’s voice and beauty that really bring this song out of the dark reality it paints.

Lydia!

Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two
Remember how we laughed away the hours
And dreamed 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
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la…
Those were the days, oh yes those were the days

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

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

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
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la…

Read more: Mary Hopkin – Those Were The Days Lyrics | MetroLyrics