The time grows short until 2018 is completely in the history books. The year 2019 is fast upon us. If you plan to celebrate the old and ring in the New Year have some champagne to loosen the vocal cords. When the ball falls and midnight is upon you belt it out. Go ahead. Belt it out. The song, you know it. Don’t you? It’s Auld Lang Syne of course.
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 me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
- CHORUS
Ok, maybe you don’t know the words. Who does? You’ve been faking it this long. Keep up the good work. No one remembers in the morning anyway. But just what is Auld Lang Syne?
“Auld Lang Syne” is a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well-known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. It’s also sung at funerals, graduations, and as an ending to other occasions.
The poems’ Scots title may be translated into standard English as “old long since,” “long long ago”, “days gone by”, or “old times.” Consequently, “For auld lang syne”, as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as “for the sake of old times”.
It’s been around since 1788. That’s a long time for a lot of people to mumble through a song that know what know the words to, nor cares to.
Pass the aspirin please.