Auld Lang Syne! The New Year Moniker

Scottish Poet, Robbie Burns wrote “ Auld Lang Syne” in 1788 and it was then put to music. There was a little controversy that Burns adapted it, or collected phrasing, from a ballad written in 1711 by James Watson.

This melancholy song is often sang at funerals, graduations and as a fairwell, but most of the world will recognize it as the song - sang, at the stroke of midnight, on New Year’s Eve. For the sake of old times.... in several different versions, has become a traditional reflection.   

Olde Saint Sylvester’s Day/ the last day of the year, is celebrated at it’s pivotal point with alcoholic beverages, entertainment & fireworks. Another year is passing, human mortality awakens in people, we reflect on a completed year and anticipate the new year, new chances, new beginnings..... hope.

“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; 

The flames of Love Extinguished and fully past and gone,

Is thy sweet heart now grown so cold, that loving breast of thine; 

That thous canst never once reflect...... on Old long syne”              James Watson

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

CHORUS:

 Joyous celebration of who is in your life.. at the moment

For auld lang syne, my jo,

for auld lang syne,

we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

The Toasts with "those no longer with us"

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !
and gie's a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS                                                                                        Robert Burns

So what is the difference?   The first version favours the sorrows of relationships ended and the second, cherishes the partnerships that remain.   The later of course, lends much better to an evening of drinking, for there is nothing worse than a whole lot of anguish and booze!

We don’t like to dwell on the mistakes in our lives.  But face them - we must, because it is a result of these ended relationships that we come to realize what does not work for us and this knowledge gives us opportunities to grow. It is understandable that pain remains when those ended relationships are attached to family cords and business connections, because you cannot totally remove these people from your life.

Is it of any wonder, that the essence of Auld Lang Syne is adapted to a more positive outlook?  We must cherish the relationships in our life that do work and not lament over the people who have gone, old lovers, former wives & husbands, in laws and neighbours..... gone. Things end. 

I personally will toast those in my life that have chosen to continue to love me. I cherish you all!