Most of us tonight will find ourselves singing the traditional New Year's Eve song "Auld Lang Syne," but if you're like me, you might just sing those words without even knowing what they mean.
Well, I'll tell you.
It took no small amount of research to provide this valuable information. Really, just two clicks on Google. But, then, that just tells us about the world we live in today -- and it's not using auld fashioned methods like looking something up in the World Book Encyclopedia.
But I digress.
Actually, as you belt out that song -- perhaps after slugging down a few drinks and making merry with friends and family, you should at least know what those words really mean. It's all about remembering good times with old friends, and that's important.
Here's the scoop about "Auld Lang Syne" from your loyal and dedicated reporter at Not Fake News:
According to the report "The History and Words of Auld Lang Syne," the song had its origins in 1788 when Robert Burns sent the poem 'Auld Lang Syne' to the Scots Musical Museum, indicating that it was an ancient song but that he'd been the first to record it on paper. The phrase 'auld lang syne' roughly translates as 'for old times' sake', and the song is all about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year.
it has long been a much-loved Scottish tradition to sing the song just before midnight. Everyone stands in a circle holding hands, then at the beginning of the final verse ('And there's a hand my trusty friend') they cross their arms across their bodies so that their left hand is holding the hand of the person on their right, and their right hand holds that of the person on their left. When the song ends, everyone rushes to the middle, still holding hands, and probably giggling.
In case you don't know the complete words to the song, here they are:
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 foot
Sin auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
Frae mornin' 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 guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And long, long ago.
Chorus
And for long, long ago, my dear
For long, long ago,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago
And surely youll buy your pint-jug!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet
,For long, long ago.
Chorus
We two have run about the hills
And pulled the daisies fine;
But we've wandered manys the weary foot
Since long, long ago.
Chorus
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since long, long ago.
Chorus
And there's a hand, my trusty friend!
And give us a hand of yours!
And we'll take a deep draught of good-wil
lFor long, long ago.
Chorus
Now you know. Do you think you can remember all this to sing it tonight when you're half looped?
Happy New Year!