Auld Lang Syne

Yes, we sing it at the stroke of midnight on New Year's or in my case, mumble/hum it at the stroke of midnight because I don't know the words (I'm sure I'm not the only one!) but have you ever really thought about what you're singing/mumbling/humming? Today, I decided to search for the lyrics and to find out why we sing this song. Here's what I found:

According to Wikipedia, "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in many English-speaking (and other) countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight. As well as celebrating the New Year, Auld Lang Syne is very widely used to symbolise other "endings/new beginnings" – including farewells, funerals, graduations, the end of a party or a Boy Scout gathering, the election of a new government, and even the closing of a retail store. The melody is also widely used for other words, especially the songs of sporting and other clubs and even national anthems.

The song's Scots title may be translated into English literally as "old long since", or more idiomatically, "long long ago", "days gone by" or "old times".

Interestingly, Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo is often credited with popularising the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and television, beginning in 1929.

I now understand what makes this song meaningful...the song begins by posing a rhetorical question as to whether it is right that old times be forgotten, and is generally interpreted as a call to remember long-standing friendships.  Duh! Why didn't I know that? I guess I should have taken the time to learn the words so here they are:

Auld Lang Syne
by Robert Burns

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

CHORUS:

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

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

A friend posted this video on Facebook (thanks Ronna!) so I thought I’d share the link...it’s a beautiful version of Auld Lang Syne!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U3w_zpiWSE&feature=related

Don’t hate me but I also found this video of Mariah Carey singing Auld Lang Syne so I had to share it!  In the video, Mariah even asks "does anybody really know the words?" then giggles so I guess I'm not the only one :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aop6YF1Xqqg

So maybe next year I'll actually sing (not mumble/hum!) Auld Lang Syne at the stroke of midnight...hopefully right after a New Year's kiss :)

Now I can't help but wonder how clueless I am about other things I do, say, sing, hum or mumble!  What about you...can you relate?

HAPPY 2011...I hope this year brings us all love, laughter, happiness, peace and health!!!

Wikipedia reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne