Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns

We all know the song sung every New Year’s Eve, but here’s a bit of information.  It was written by the Scottish poet, Robert Burns.  RobertBurns Country web site, a sort of encyclopedia devoted to Burns, cites a Burns’ letter on how the poem came about.

On 17^th December 1788, Burns said in a letter to Mrs Dunlop: 'Your meeting which you so well describe with your old schoolfellow and friend was truly interesting. Out upon the ways of the world! They spoil these 'social offsprings of the hear'. Two veterans of the 'men of the world' would have met with little more heart-workings than two old hacks worn out on the road. Apropos, is not the Scotch phrase Auld lang syne exceedingly expressive? There is an old song and tune which has often thrilled through my soul. You know I am an enthusiast in old Scotch songs. I shall give you the verses on the other sheet... Light be the turf on the breast of the heaven-inspired poet who composed this glorious fragment! There is more of the fire of native genius in it than in half a dozen of modern English Bacchanalians.' The song 'on the other sheet' was Burns's first version of 'Auld Lang Syne'.

 It appears he didn’t come up with that most “exceedingly expressive” phrase, “auld lang syne” but came from a traditional Scots ballad.  I love some of those old Scots ballads, and someday I’ll post a few of my favorites.  Burns’ song is an amazing construct, mixing English with Celtic Scot and a Creole that was formed over the centuries.  I think the song really does pin most of its strength on the mystery of that phrase.  Wikipedia says a literal translation would be “old long since,” but idiomatically “long long ago” or “days gone by.”  That the song has a great mixture of archaic, esoteric words with common placed words generates that perfect long ago feeling.  It’s almost like a rock song where you don’t quite make out all the lyrics but you get the general feeling. 

 

You can read about the song and the translation on the Wikipedia entry.  Here are the lyrics and a translation:

 

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

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

 

Now here’s a nice song version.  However, from what I’ve read Burns intended it to be played a bit faster than we’re used to today.  Enjoy the images from lovely Scotland.  I was there once and it really is lovely.

 

 

Happy New Year!