Regarding Mary Hopkins a pretty young welsh singer appeared on the Uk Talent contest called opportunity Knocks compered by Hughie Green ..
Paul Macartney of the beatles !!! saw her on the show and within a few weeks he had arranged a record contract and she had a big hit with the song "Those were the Days "....she also had success with some other hits ..but her biggest success was those were the days .
I've seen the song performed in cabaret type shows many times here in the Uk and this song actually touches the heart of the audience they sing and clap in time with the music ...it really touches the spot !!! so to speak .

regards ...Giovanni