Auld Lang Syne

Okay, so as I'm standing in the living room of the Patton's at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve (as has been our tradition for many years now), I find myself listening to the masses gathered at Times Square (on the TV, of course) singing "Auld Lang Syne." It occurred to me that this is one of those songs that I know very little about, and I've decided to investigate some more.

The little that I did know about the song, always made me think that it was a rather morose and sorrowful song, not the kind of thing you sing to celebrate the new beginning of a new new year, and all the hope that comes along with it. Here are the lyrics - at least as I thought I knew them...

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

I always thought this song was encouraging us to remember those who've we've lost touch with over the year, either through death or just simple lack of communications. But not only that we've lost touch with them, but to remind ourselves that we've lost touch with them. I suppose it could be taken as a means to encourage us to try to rekindle the lines of communication, which might be a more positive spin, but the song always depresses me.

So I decided to look into the song a little more, and thanks to Wikipedia, here's what I've learned...

There are actually 5 verses to the song, which was originally a poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns, written in 1788. It can loosely be translated into English as "long time since" or "long, long ago." It is a poem of remembrance, but not of a sorrowful memory, but of a joyful fondness, remembering the times spent and shared with friends and family upon the reunion of said parties. The song actually seems to be about the chance to reunite with those we've lost touch with over the years.

So, I guess this song is not nearly as morose as I originally thought, and perhaps during this new year, I will be able to take advantage of the lyrics and reunite with loved ones who I've lost contact with. So, for those who I've shared times with in the days of auld lang syne, I wish you a prosperous New Year, and one of reconnection and lasting friendships.