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The Pinecone
|
January 2017
• 7 •
In 1788, 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 is sung all over the world, evoking
a sense of belonging and fellowship,
tinged with nostalgia.
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.
Most Scots know the first verse and the
chorus but if you want to sing along,
here is the full modern English version.
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld 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 there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will
draught,
for auld 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.
Happy New Year!
welcome 2017!
A br ief history of
“Auld Lang Syne”
Auld Lang Syne:
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:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a
weary foot,
since auld lang syne.