Those Were the Days - Mary Hopkin - MP3 instrumental karaoke

In 1968, Mary Hopkin's "Those Were the Days" became an international sensation, captivating listeners with its wistful melody and reflective lyrics. The song's origins trace back to early 20th-century Russia, where it was known as "Dorogoi dlinnoyu," composed by Boris Fomin and penned by Konstantin Podrevsky. Gene Raskin later translated it into English, capturing the essence of reminiscing about bygone, carefree times. Paul McCartney, impressed by the tune, produced Mary Hopkin's version, which was released on August 30, 1968, through Apple Records. The single soared to number 1 on the UK Singles Chart and topped the Canadian RPM Magazine charts. In the United States, it achieved the number 2 position on the Billboard Hot 100, second only to The Beatles' "Hey Jude". "Those Were the Days" was also included in Mary Hopkin's debut album, Post Card. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its evocative portrayal of nostalgia and the universal longing for the simplicity of days past.