The Meaning Behind The Song: Those Were The Days
Introduced in 1971 as the theme song of the popular American sitcom All in the Family, Those Were The Days became a cultural phenomenon that resonated with many generations. The song, performed by the show’s lead characters Archie and Edith Bunker, captures a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time that’s lost forever.
In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind the song and explore why it continues to evoke such strong emotions in people today.
Background of All in the Family
All in the Family aired on CBS from 1971 to 1979 and was a critical and commercial success. The show’s main character, Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O’Connor), was a blue-collar worker who held conservative views on race, gender, and politics.
The sitcom was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a flawed, lovable character and tackled social issues that were often considered taboo at the time, including racism, sexism, and homophobia. Although it courted controversy, it was also lauded for its frankness and realism.
The Origins of Those Were The Days
Those Were The Days was originally a Russian folk song called Dorogoi dlinnoyu (By the Long Road) composed by Boris Fomin in 1925, with lyrics by Konstantin Podrevsky. The song was popularized in the West by various artists, including Mary Hopkin, who had a hit with it in 1968.
All in the Family’s creator, Norman Lear, was a fan of the song and believed it was a perfect fit for the show’s theme. He approached Charles Strouse and Lee Adams to write an English adaptation of the song for the series.
The Lyrics of Those Were The Days
The lyrics of Those Were The Days add depth and poignancy to the melody, reflecting Archie and Edith’s sentimentality and nostalgia for the past. The opening lines of the song are:
“Boy, the way Glen Miller played
Songs that made the hit parade”
These lines evoke memories of a bygone era, when music was simpler and more elegant. The song goes on to describe a time when “girls were girls and men were men” and “nobody dared to go beyond our neighborhood.”
The nostalgic tone of the lyrics is tempered by a sense of irony, however. The final lines of the song are:
“Gee, our old LaSalle ran great
Those were the days”
These lines acknowledge that while the past may have been simpler, it was also flawed and imperfect.
The Impact of Those Were The Days
The song became an instant hit with audiences and remains one of the most recognizable television theme songs of all time. The record sold more than one million copies and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Aside from the commercial success, the song has also inspired countless covers and parodies. In 1975, Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton, who played Edith, released a cover version that reached number 43 on the Billboard chart.
Those Were The Days has also been used in numerous commercials, films, and television shows. It has become a cultural touchstone that is instantly recognizable to people worldwide.
The Meaning of Those Were The Days Today
More than 50 years after its initial release, Those Were The Days still resonates with people today. The song captures a nostalgia that is universal, a longing for a simpler time and a desire to relive cherished memories.
In an interview with NPR in 2019, All in the Family creator Norman Lear said, “The song works because it feels like it’s an older couple talking about their life. I think everybody would like to be able to look back at moments that have passed and smile about them.”
The song’s appeal also lies in its simplicity. The melody and lyrics are straightforward and easy to sing along with, making it an enduring classic that continues to connect with people of all ages.
The Bottom Line
Those Were The Days is a song that has captured the hearts of millions and has transcended time, connecting with people across generations. Its nostalgic tone and simple message have made it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and evoke emotions today.
Whether you’re reminiscing about your own past or simply enjoying the melody and lyrics, Those Were The Days is a song that will always hold a place in our hearts and memories.
