The original tune was written by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet and lyricist, in 1788, though his lyrics are somewhat different from what we hear today:
Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
On old long syne.
On old long syne my Jo,
On old long syne,
That thou canst never once reflect,
On old long syne
Eventually, this was translated from Scottish to the English version:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
This version has alternate lyrics:
The melody is apparently from an old Scottish folk song. At some point, the song was used at the conclusion of New Years festivities in Scotland, then other English speaking countries. It is also used in other occasions such as funerals, farewells and graduations.
As far as what it means? Its simply a rhetorical question asking whether past memories should be forgotten and left in the past and a statement to remember lasting relationships.
That's it!
On a personal note, I get a mix of warm fuzzies but also a bit of sadness anytime I hear it. I am guessing it's because it rings in the end of another year, another chapter, another era in my life and moments and experiences that will never come again.
How does this song make you feel?
Hoping everyone enjoyed a safe and fun holiday season. See ya on the other side!
I love this song. I never knew the melody had Scottish roots!
ReplyDeleteYeah, neither did I!
ReplyDelete