Every New Year's Eve millions of people around the world raise their voices in a chorus of the Scottish folk song ‘Auld Lang Syne’ with little understanding of the song itself.
The words, written by poet Robert Burns in 1788, and music (added later) were both inspired by fragments of traditional songs from earlier times. A song of reunion not of parting, as some think, it recalls happy days gone by, separation and coming back together of old friends and family.
It translates into standard English as "old long ago" or more colloquially "the good old days". In the modern idiom some might say "back in the day". It is a tale which looks back at old times with a friend from childhood and seeks to rekindle the past by a handshake and a goodwill drink. Its place as a world wide anthem for 31 December owes much to Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadian Big Band’s New Years broadcast, on radio and television for 50 years. In the final verse the singer offers his hand of friendship and asks for his old pal's in return. The tradition has been that at this point, and not before, hands are crossed and offered to the people on either side of you in the gathered circle
Listen to Guy bring a tear to your eye http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik7ktS3PqEs
English translation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnhaGWBnys
English translation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPnhaGWBnys
Most poignant reminder of grand mpther firing her 38 into the air, ma's obligatory taffy pulls, damn sauerkraut with pork.
ReplyDeleteNever had a bad ny's eve!