BY KLAUS DÖRING
“THOSE Were the Days” is a timeless classic that was released in 1968 by Welsh singer Mary Hopkin. The song quickly became a global hit, topping the charts in several countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. With its memorable melody and heartfelt lyrics, it continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
Written by Russian poet and songwriter Gene Raskin, “Those Were the Days” is a nostalgic look back at the past and a reflection on the fleeting nature of time. The song’s emotional power lies in its ability to transport listeners to a different era, evoking a sense of longing and wistfulness. As we delve deeper into the meaning behind this beloved ballad, we uncover the layers of emotions and themes that make it so resonant.
Time flew by. I think sitting in a jet plane. October again. Wow!
Do you always count the days up to the next legal holidays without being on duty? Or do you start as early as September longing for Christmas? And do you wish the weeks or months hopefully pass by like an assault up to the next possible salary increase?
Many times, we are really in too much of a hurry while feeling uncomfortable if we notice how time flies. We have no time for someone or something or even for ourselves.
When I was still a teenager, I was longing to be an adult already. Later, I enjoyed listening to my grandmother’s stories such as “Once upon a time” or “When I was young” from her “yesterday’s life”.
After a couple of years, especially while observing that time really flies like a racket to the moon, I also have the same question in mind: Are the present hours and days less valuable?
Of course, each day has its own set of happiness and trials. But it also holds very high possibilities of us taking the initiative to do or to move something, if…!
The luring term “IF” lets us look into the future with an overblown “glistening” eye: IF I will finish my studies…IF my children have become adults…IF I might become rich because I win in the lottery, yes IF? And then?
The future prospects smile at us already. I was already looking for the 2024 calendar. Setting appointments for January and February. Amazing.
Is life in the future easier, nicer, more charming and more fulfilling compared to the present? The thoughts fill me with horror, because tragicomic future visions can easily blur away our present day.
Many of us retreat into the past and forget their present existence. A possible topsy-turvy world of a golden youth tries to let us forget that also the past has had its share of disappointments, pains, tears, darkness, tricky as well as desperate days… yes, lost days, irretrievable time.
Without having achieved anything, we dream our impossible dreams from last to future and vice versa. We forget that between yesterday and tomorrow is our valuable present. Well, now well then – if we know just how to fulfill this period.
***
Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn or X – (Twitter) or visit my www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN
