Origin: Those Were the Days (Gene Raskin)

Subject: RE: Those were the days my friend - history?
From: catspaw49
Date: 09 Feb 02 - 02:24 AM

It was about the last big hit by Lieber and Stoller and was written specifically with Peggy Lee in mind. They composed an entire album for her later. Both just loved her style, delivery, and personality. Mike Lieber and Jerry Stoller were responsible for so many R&B/Motown/Rock hits that it's hard to imagine they were two Jewish white boys!!! I doubt if a Yiddish version was foremost, if at all, in their minds.

Spaw

Subject: ADD: Those Were the Days (Gene Raskin)
From: allie kiwi
Date: 09 Feb 02 - 01:42 AM

I've always enjoyed the song sung by Mary Hopkin 'Those were the days'. I heard that it was originally sung in Hebew or Yiddish. does anyone know anything about this - or was it sung in Hebrew after the English version?

Allie

Those Were The Days
(Gene Raskin)

Once upon a time there was a tavern
Where we used to raise a glass or two.
Remember how we laughed away the hours;
Think of all the great things we would do.
CHORUS


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'd choose.
We'd fight and never lose
For we were young and sure to have our way.
La la la la la 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...

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 dreams are still the same....
CHORUS