Auld Lang Syne

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. Robert Burns sent a copy of the original song to the British Museum with this comment: "The following song, an 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." It is well known in many countries, especially (but far from exclusively) in the English-speaking world; it's traditional use being to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The international Boy Scout youth movement, in many countries, uses it as a close to jamborees and other functions.

The song's Scots title may be translated into English literally as "old long since", or more idiomatically, "long long ago", "days gone by" or "old times". Consequently "For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, is loosely translated as "for (the sake of) old times".

The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757), and James Watson (1711) as well as older folk songs predating Burns. Matthew Fitt uses the phrase "In the days of auld lang syne" as the equivalent of "Once upon a time..." in his retelling of fairy tales in the Scots language.

About the singer

Dougie MacLean OBE (born 27 September 1954 in Dunblane) is a Scottish singer-songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. His career started with a traditional band, The Tannahill Weavers, in 1976. His solo career started in 1981 and since then he has recorded numerous albums. He plays multiple instruments, including guitar, violin, mandola, viola, bouzouki, banjo and bass as well as being a singer and composer.

MacLean's most famous pieces include "The Gael", from his 1990 album The Search, which was adapted by Trevor Jones as the main theme to the 1992 film Last of the Mohicans; and Caledonia, from his first album, which has been covered by numerous singers and groups.

In 2011, MacLean was invested as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

http://www.dougiemaclean.com/

Auld Lang Syne - A Caricature !

This song is perhaps the most famous song, anywhere in the world (excluding perhaps "My Way", "Blue Suede Shoes", and "Hey Jude") and yet still only a handful know the words. We gather together at various social occasions, from New Year, to annual "conferences", and at the end of the night..we form a circle..the music starts..we sing the first line.. "Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot and...rum tee tum dah dee..lah .lah..lah.lah lah..lah..lah lah."for the sake of Auld Lang Syne"

" The next verse then often proceeds " And here's a hmmm. hmmm. mmmm. mmmm etc ..etc". until the entire company sing out loud and proud that famous line..ALL TOGETHER NOW..(Holding Hands of course) ....

 "For Auld Lang Syyyyyyyyyne" !!!!!

http://www.worldburnsclub.com/newsletter/auld_lang_syne_what_about.htm

Auld Lang Syne

As sung by Dougie MacLean on the album Tribute.

Should auld aquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind.

Should auld aquaintance be forgot,

for 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.

We twa hae run aboot the braes,

And pu'd the gowans fine,

We've wandered mony's a weary step,

since auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidled i' the burn,

Frae morning sun til dine,

But seas between us braid hae roared,

Since auld lang syne.

Chorus.

And surely you'll be your pint stowp,

And surely I'll be mine,

We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne.

So here's a hand, my trusty fier,

And gie's a hand o' thine,

We'll drink a right guid williewaught,

For the sake of auld lang syne.

Chorus.
  

scoures:

Wikipedia

World BurnsClub

and special thanks to Jeffels Worth's blog where this song plays, 
that gave me the idea to make this post.

http://jeffellsworth.blogspot.com/