Auld Lang Syne is a song written during the 1780s which is now known in many nations, notably in English speaking countries. It has become an anthem sung over at New Year. Its customary use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. In addition, it is also sung in some funerals, graduations and other farewell – beginning occasions.
Other links to read: What does Auld Lang Syne Means? https://brainly.ph/question/243702
Brief History of the Song
Auld Lang Syne is a1788 Scots poem by Robert Burns. Although there are some beliefs that it wasn’t entirely written by Burns due to its resemblance to a poem “Old Long Syne”, a ballad printed by James Watson in 1711. Burns had also stated that “I took it down from an old man”.
Burns sent a copy of the poem to a friend in 1788 with a note “There is more of the fire of native genius in it than in half of a dozen of modern English Bacchanalians!” Later that year, Burns sent this poem to the Scots Musical Museum but it did not appear in print shortly after his death in 1796. It was however published with James Johnson’s Scots Musical Museum.
Although the poem (lyrics) is considered old by this time, it is the melody of the song is considered older. The melody already existed before Burns wrote down the poem. Some similar tunes had been present during the year 1782 and 1792. It was not until 1799 did the words and music would appear and sound much like how it is today.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song are written in the Scots language. Its literal translation in English is Old Long Silence which can also be interpreted as “since long ago” or “for old times’ sake”. It can be observed that the whole lyrics of the song have not discussed any reference to the new year, instead it tackles a story about old friends having to recall their great adventures they had.
Other links to read:
What is the genra of Auld Lang Syne: https://brainly.ph/question/449014
Lyrics of the song Auld Lang Syne: https://brainly.ph/question/876594
Tradition
In tradition, especially from Scottish country, the song Auld Lang Syne is sung just before midnight. It is sang holding hands while they are formed in a circle. At the beginning of the final verse, “And there’s a hand my trusty friend”, they cross their arms in such a way that the right hand will be holding hands with the person on their left, while their left hand is holding hand with the person on their right. When the song ends, everyone would come rushing in the middle of the circle with laughter and giggles.
Similar Poems
The phrase “Auld Lang Syne” is used by other notable poets such as
- Robert Ayton (1570 – 1638)
- Allan Ramsay (1686 -1757)
Other than New Year
Although the song is usually sang before the strike of a new year, it is also a practice to sing this song to events which signifies “new beginnings – end” such as:
- Farewells
- Funerals and other memorials
- Graduations
- Jamborees
- Election of new governments
