Auld Lang Syne

New Year’s Eve in my family has always been pretty much the same for as long as I can remember; the family would sit around watching silly shows on tv, eating olliebollen, waiting for the countdown and then watching the fireworks in the street, drinking champagne (when we were old enough) and ABBA’s Happy New Year blasting from the stereo. It’s a tradition I really enjoy, and even when our whole family isn’t together it’s nice to know that most of us are probably listening to ABBA either way. But there is another song that I love and as cheesy as it sounds always makes me tear up a little: Auld Lang Syne.

I’m not sure why I love this song so much, because it’s never been part of our family tradition, but there must be a part of me that just connects with it. It was written by Robert Burns in 1788, he was a Scott (perhaps my Scottish roots are the reason I love the song?) and the words of the song literally translated call for us to think of the days gone by. To think of the friends we have had, and possibly lost along the way. It talks about the trials that we have overcome in times past and that we ought not forget them, and that despite these trials we can share in kindness with one another. I don’t know but something about it seem to match perfectly what I feel on New Years. The sense that I’m not the person I was a year ago because I’ve grown and that with the knowledge of what has passed I can move forward into the adventures of the New Year. That there are always those who stand by you through the tough times and those who have helped you along the way. A sense of perseverance, camaraderie, and hope. I like that.

Here are the full English lyrics of the song and you can find the original Scottish version online. I wish you all the best as you start this new year of 2012, that you continue to grow into the person you want to be and that you remember the days that have past and have brought you to where you are now.

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