Dec
29
To the Good Old Days…
“Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?”— “Auld Lang Syne”, English translation of first verse
For this last post of the year, rather than doing my customary “Top 10”, I’m continuing with the musical theme from last week.
One of the most widely celebrated New Year’s Eve/Day traditions — especially among those in or influenced by the British Isles — is the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”. But, if you’re like me, you might be curious as to its origins….
The titular phrase was not new, as it had been seen and heard in poems and songs before. “Auld lang syne” translates to “old long since”, though more modern and idiomatic renderings might include “olden times”, “days gone by”, “long past”, or even “the good old days”.
The lyrics are from a poem written by Robert Burns (1788) in the language of the Lowland Scots. Burns, however, attributed some of it to a never-before-printed “old song, of the olden times”, which he transcribed from, well, an old Scotsman. Similarities to a ballad by James Watson (1711) indicate that either Watson was also a strong influence on Burns’ composition or Watson was himself influenced by the old song.
The overall theme is of remembering old friends and good times past. Usually, only the first verse and chorus are sung, but for the dedicated and knowledgeable few, there are actually five verses. The version published in 1799 (after Burns’ death) moved the second verse (about greeting and toasting) to its current position at the end.
The custom of singing it on New Year’s Eve began, no surprise, with the Scots before spreading throughout the British Empire and beyond. The tune is also sung more generally in times of celebration and reflection on the past, including graduations, Scout jamborees, governmental elections, funerals, and farewells to good friends.
We cannot be absolutely sure if the melody commonly used today is what Burns originally intended, but it is widely used in Scotland and around the world. That tune is generally agreed to be a traditional Scots folk melody (of unknown title) in a pentatonic scale. Over the years, it has been adapted in whole or in part for various occasions and purposes, often with very different lyrics. For example, Beethoven wrote an arrangement of it in the original strathspey rhythm, published as part of his “12 Scottish Folksongs” (1814). The University of Virginia’s alma mater (“The Good Old Song”) is sung to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne”. American soldiers in World War I trenches sang “We’re Here Because We’re Here” to the tune, as well. (H/T Wikipedia)
Here’s hoping that you can sing “Auld Lang Syne” this year with joy and gladness, thankfulness for friends past and present, and in hopeful anticipation of the year to come.
Happy New Year!!!
