Those Were The Days

[based on the Russion or Ukranian tune "Dorogoj Dlinnoyu"]

English Words:

Gene Raskin

 

"Dorogoj Dlinnoyu" was know at the dawn of the last century and was recorded by many artists (Russian cabaret & Gypsy) and was featured in the 1958 movie "The Brothers Karamazov".  Gene Raskin added his English lyrics in the 1960s and it was a huge hit for Welsh singer Mary Hopkin before being covered  by a slew of groups over the years.

 

Am

Once upon a time there was a tavern,

                                  Dm

where we used to raise a glass or two.

  Am

Remember how we laughed away the hours,

    B7                                       E

And dreamed of all the great things we would do.

 

CHORUS:

               Am                                 Dm

Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end.

              G        G7         C

We'd sing and dance forever and a day.

              Dm                             Am

We'd live the life we choose, we'd fight and never lose.

            E                          Am

For we were young, and sure to have our way.

            Am                       Dm

La, la, la, la, la, la.  La, la, la, la, la, la.

               E                             Am

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 smiled at one another, and we'd say:

 

CHORUS:

 

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?

 

CHORUS:

 

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 dream are still the same.

 

CHORUS: