Auld Lang Syne

i'll do a proper blog post some time later on. but for now...since it's new year's eve, i wanna talk a bit about this very well known song. which is also playing on my player at the moment. i recently 'rediscovered' this song while surfing around.

Auld Lang Syne is probably one of the most famous songs in existence. It's based on a poem by Robert Burns (though his influences could have come from a variety of sources). The song is traditionally a dance. The title is in the Scots language, meaning "old long since" or "days gone by". In some fairy tales told in the Scots language, the phrase "in the days of auld lang syne" is used instead of "once upon a time".

Most of what I like about this song is that, after really listening to it, or rather, the instrumental version of it, I can really begin to appreciate the significance of the song. Cos as I may have mentioned before, I've come to an age now when the past is a significant entity. Days have gone by and people have come and gone, leaving only memories behind. The song sings of events of yesteryear shared between friends and loved ones. They drink to the good memories and pray to not forget each other.

THIS VERSION of Auld Lang Syne particularly strikes me. It uses Kenny G's version and superimposes it with sound clips of significant events in the past. It's like a little memorial of things past. Reminds me of those war memorials that have the inscription "lest we forget". It's such a poignant feeling that the song invokes, especially the use of the sax. Somehow the sound of this instrument always reminds me of loneliness, a bit of sad reminiscence.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and days of auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup o' 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

We two have run about the hills,
and pulled the daisies fine ;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there's a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o' thine !
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS