It’s that time again — January. The time when we thankfully put the disappointments of the past behind us, and welcome the fresh start promised by a new calendar year. Our hopes for a brighter future are embodied by the coincidentally increasing daylight hours, while we remain in the, sometimes stark, depths of winter.

Many of us christen the New Year with a rendition of the traditional song Auld Lang Syne, or at least a hearty interpretation of the first verse and chorus, vaguely recalled from our youthful alcohol-fuelled midnight parties. This song deserves more attention than the few minutes of mumbled melody that most of us give it.

Composed in 1788, by Scotland’s national poet, Rabbie Burns, this song has stood the test of time. In it, Burns describes the conversation of two old friends, who meet in a pub after many years apart. The setting may have something to do with the song’s appeal as an accompaniment to today’s festive revelry. However, it is the sentiment that the friends express that reveals its suitability to the occasion of New Year’s. They declare that they will share a drink in memory of all the old times they spent together in their youth, playing in the countryside among the hills, flowers and creeks. They rejoice in their reuniting after being separated for years by vast distances. This song is the perfect embodiment of the bonds of friendship that tie us all together, even in our darkest hours.

Burns composed the lyrics in his traditional language of Scots and set them to his embellishment of an old tune he had heard in the Scottish countryside. Over time, the song has changed from a melancholy ballad into a rowdy drinking song. A comparison of these tunes, as sung by Paolo Nutini, can be heard here. This young singer concisely explains the significance of the old version and his preference for it. Another recording of the old version can be found here.

As we look back on the last 12 months and contemplate what the next 12 hold for us, what better time, particularly in the month when Burns was born, to celebrate the sentiments that he gave voice to almost 250 years ago.

Auld Lang Syne
(Words adapted from a traditional song)
by Rabbie Burns (1759-96) from 1788.

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 of 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!


We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit,
Sin auld lang syne.


We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.


And there's a hand my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o thine,
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

English Translation:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And old long past?


CHORUS:
For old long past, my dear,
For old long past,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For old long past!


And surely ye'll be your pint-glass,
And surely I'll be mine,
And we'll take a cup o kindness yet,
For old long past!


We two have run about the hills,
And pulled the flowers fine,
But we've wander'd many a weary foot,
Since old long past.


We two have paddl’d in the creek
From morning sun till noon,
But seas between us broad have roar'd
Since old long past.


And there's a hand my trusty friend,
And give me a hand of yours,
And we'll take a right gooddeep drink,
For old long past.

This article was originally printed in THE BERGEN NEWS and is being reprinted with permission.