Why not «Auld Lang Syne» on New Year`s Eve?

When the clocks strike 12 on New Year`s Eve, throughout the English speaking world, people form a circle, cross their arms, join their hands and sing «Auld Lang Syne».

«Auld Lang Syne» is a nostalgic Scottish song reminding us to renew and strengthen the Bonds of old Friendships («for old time sake»).

It is attributed to Robert Burns, Scotland`s national Poet (born 1759 died 1796). Even though the song, most likely, existed earlier, Robert Burns did write it down with the melody and probably added further verses, and thus «discovered» this now famous song.

Scots would claim that it is Number One

«Auld Lang Syne» is nowadays, along with «Happy Birthday» and «For he`s a jolly good fellow» one of the top 3 most popular songs in the English Language. The Scots would claim even that it is Number One!

It is sung mainly on New Year`s Eve but also on other significant occasions, such as farewells. Most people can manage, at best, one verse and the chorus, and few know the real meaning of the scottish text. But all know the tune!

For those who would like to have a go at singing «Auld Lang Syne» on New Year`s Eve, try a Karaoke version, for example. For those who prefer to listen to others singing it, there is a good traditional Version sung by members of the Scottish Parliament. (Look at the Service-Box)

For those who would simply like to play the tune, see the annexe (for piano). For the acribic, who want «the full Monty», we recommend at Wikipedia.

Why not introduce «Auld Lang Syne» this year, as a tradition in your family and friends, on New Year's Eve when the clock strikes twelve? «Good luck» and a HAPPY, HEALTHY and PROSPEROUS New Year!

Peter Graham Lancashire (Quelle: news.ch)

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