Auld Lang Syne

Growing up in the last half of the 20th Century I can vividly remember many of the 60 New Years Eves I have celebrated. They have ranged from quiet family get togethers, to parties (some family friendly - some not so much!) We have set off firecrackers as kids back in the 50's, attended concerts, and some Watch Night Church Services, youth lock ins in several churches. We have celebrated alone and with others, sometimes in restaurants, sometimes in friends homes. Linda and I observed New Year's Eve 2009-2010 as we drove back home overnight from New Orleans to Ashland, KY. We have watched the ball drop on Time Square, and seen the ageless Dick Clark host numerous "New Year's Rockin' Eve" on television.

One of the memories I have from childhood was hearing Guy Lombardo and his orchestra playing a tune entitled "Auld Lang Syne" as the revelers rang out the old and rang in the new year. As I got older, I heard people actually singing the lyrics of the song, but I confess that it was one of those songs that "you know some of the words". It had a haunting tune, but alas, the words were basically a mystery. I recently decided that before I check out of this life, it would be nice to learn a little more about the song - where did it come from? What did it really mean?

I learned that a poem by that name was written by Scottish poet, Robert Burns in 1788. Burns set it to the music of a traditional Scot folk song. The words "Auld Lang Syne" have been loosely translated into English as "old long since", "days gone by", and most popularly, "for old time sake". The song has become a staple to be played or sung on the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, and has also become popular at graduations, funerals, or as a farewell or ending of other notable occasions.

There is some doubt if the melody with which we are familiar is the original tune to the song, but the tune we recognize is the most popular in Scotland, and around the world.

At this writing, the arrival of the new year 2011 has already been celebrated in New Zealand, and its arrival is moving quickly across the globe. So, as the remaining hours of 2010 quickly pass away, most of us will be thinking of the events of the past 365 days. Each of us have our own memories - to rue or to cherish. We have said goodbye to loved ones, and realize the transitory nature of our own time here on earth.

So in honor of the passing of the old year, and the coming of the new, won't you join me in singing the old song, "For Old Time Sake"? You know the tune, here are the words. C'mon. Sing along -

Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind ? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,for auld lang syne,we'll take a cup of kindness yet,for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup ! and surely I’ll buy mine ! And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine ; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine ; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend ! And give us a hand o’ thine ! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.

CHORUS