The History and Meaning of Auld Lang Syne

New Year's Eve is celebrated all over the world. We celebrate not only as the final day of the year, but for the coming of the next. New Years Eve celebrations today, includes large parties, lots of noise makers, fireworks and even pyrotechnics. People get dressed up, wearing their party hats, and are holding tightly to their noise makers, while awaiting the final countdown. At midnight, the party goers will blow their horns, and cheer, as a snowfall of confetti falls from the sky, fire works sound off, people will hug and kiss, and begin to sing the song, Auld Lang Syne. But does anyone really know the origin, or history of this great old time favorite? And what the meaning behind the song is to be?

I found many articles, as well as debates on the popular song, Auld Lang Syne, and where it originated from. Some claim it originated in England, and others beg to differ. It is true that there are several versions of the song "Auld Lang Syne", and each of them are different in their own way. The most famous, were composed by, Allan Ramsay (1686-1757) and Robert Burns (1759-1796). And the earliest was dated, to, James Watson, in 1711.

The question that seemed to arise was, did the Scottish poet, Robert Burns (1759-1796), write this song? According to the World Burns Club, it is stated: "In short, it is apparent that Burns "restored" the piece based on fragments of an old ballad dating from before Burns time. In fact, it is concluded that Burns probably only added a few verses of to the song." And it is also stated: "Burns admitted to Johnson, that only three stanzas were old, the other two being written by himself." This additional information can be found at the site of www.robertburns.org. Below are the verses three and four that Robert Burns wrote.

Verse Three

We twa hae run about the braes (we two have run about the hills)

And pou'd the gowans fine, (and pulled the daisies fine)

But we've wander'd monie a weary fit (but we've wandered many a weary foot)

Sin auld Lang Syne (since old long ago)

Verse Four

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn (we two have paddled in the stream)

Frae morning sun till dine (from morning sun(noon) until dinner time)

But seas between us braid hae roar'd (but seas between us broad have roared)

Sin auld lang syne (since old long ago)

There is a portion of a letter at, www.robertburns.org, in which Robert Burns wrote to a Mrs. Dunlop, which states: "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." It is in this letter, that he acknowledges the old song, and the talent of the writer, also praising their work. Noting the original words were lost in the age of time, nor could any evidence of published work, is to be found.

Also noted in the website of www.robertburns.org is that, Robert Cromek, who wrote the book, Reliques of Robert Burns, which contained original letters, poems, and Scottish songs. That he supposedly had evidence of the lyrics, and that they had belonged to Robert Burns.

Afterward, Robert Burns sent his poem/song on to James Johnson, who did not publish Burns poem/song, due to the fact that in the Scots Music Museum, there was already a piece "Good-night and joy be wi' you a", with the first line containing the words, "Should auld acquaintance be forgot" by a man named Ramsay, dated, 1720. Below are the first eight lines:

"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

Tho' they return with scars?

These are the noble hero's lot,

Obtain'd in glorious wars:

Welcome, my Varo, to my breast,

Thy arms about me twine.

And make me once again as blest,

As I was lang syne."

Back in September 1793, Robert Burns forwarded his manuscript, of his song/poem, Auld Lang Syne, with minor changes, to George Thomson, who was leery of the original work, with a letter stating "One song more, and I have done, 'Auld lang syne'. The air is but mediocre; but the following song - the old song of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript, until I took it down from an old man's singing - is enough to recommend any air." Below is the enitre poem/song written by Robert Burns in 1788, taken from www.robertburns.org:

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 dear,

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.

For auld, &c.

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pou'd the gowans fine;

But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,

Sin' auld lang syne.

For auld, &c.

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.

For auld, &c.

And there's a hand, my trusty fere!

And gie's a hand o' thine!

And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught,

For auld lang syne.

For auld, &c.

The meaning behind his song/poem is described by some as, an international expression of friendship, fellowship and hope. At the website www.masonmusic.org/burns.html, Burns is claimed to have been a mason, and to them. they describe the song/poem as , "two young men who drifted apart after their early schooling, and who, after re-uniting, reminisced about their earlier times together, the happy experiences they had together and the kindly folk they met." As for me, it is saying lets not forget our friends or past memories with them, and cheer to it, as they sit together one more time, making a new memory.

The song Auld Lang Syne, is used all over the world, for various occasions. For example, according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne, the following countries use the song, accordingly:

United Kingdom: It is played at the close of the annual Congress of the Trades Union Congress.

Burns Club: To end the Burns Dinner

Brazil, Portugal, France, Spain, Greece, Poland, and Germany: This song is used to mark a farewell, at funerals.

Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps:Official Corps Song

An interesting fact is, it was not until six years later, after Robert Burns death, did Johnson have a change of heart, and publish Burns song into the fifth volume of the Scots Music Museum. It is also noted, that Guy Lombardo is the one credited, with popularizing this hit song, with his annual New Years Eve broadcast on television, and radio during 1929. He also went on to record the song in 1939, and then again, in 1947. Auld Lang Syne is simply translated into Old Long Since, Long Long Ago, and Days gone by. It also has been used in Scottish fairy tales, In the days of Auld Lang Syne-Once upon a time. As you can see, the famous song we all grew to love and sing traditionally at New Years, has a long history behind it. An old document of Auld Lang Syne dated early 1700's, can be seen at www.nls.uk/broadsides/broadsides.cfm/id/14548. Below is the traditional song of Auld Lang Syne we sing today.

Old Long Past

Chorus.

And for old long past, my joy (sweetheart),

For old long past,

We will take a cup of kindness yet,

For old long past,

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

And days of old long past.

And surely you will pay for your pint-vessel!

And surely I will pay for mine!

And we will take a cup of kindness yet,

For old long past.

We two have run about the hillsides

And pulled the wild daisies fine;

But we have wandered many a weary foot

Since old long past.

We two have paddled in the stream,

From morning sun till noon;

But seas between us broad have roared

Since old long past.

And there is a hand, my trusty friend!

And give me a hand of yours!

And we will take a right good-will drink,

For old long past.