As the world welcomes the New Year, the familiar strains of “Auld Lang Syne” echo across the globe, ushering in the promise of new beginnings. The song, written in Scots language by Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, has become synonymous with bidding farewell to the old and embracing the new.
The term “Auld Lang Syne” translates to “Old Long Since” in English, suggesting a reflection on times gone by. Professor Murray Pittock from the University of Glasgow explains, “‘Auld Lang Syne’ refers to a shared past underpinning the current relationships of a family, community, or professional/social association. It is more evocative, nostalgic, and communally unifying than any simple English equivalent.”
The lyrics, penned in 1788 by Burns and posthumously published in 1796, narrate the tales of old friends reminiscing about past adventures. While not explicitly mentioning the New Year, the essence of the song captures the sentiment of reflecting on shared experiences.
Christine Nelson, a curator, reveals that Burns drew inspiration from an old man singing the song, and it had never been in print or manuscript until he transcribed it. The roots of the song can be traced back to ‘Auld Kyndness Forgot,’ preserved in a 1568 manuscript. Burns, known for his ‘mending’ of old songs, reworked the lyrics to create the version we know today, published in 1799.
The global popularity of “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve can be attributed to Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo, who played it during a broadcast in 1929. Lombardo’s tradition of ending dances with the song in western Ontario contributed to its widespread adoption. Over the years, the melody found its way into various films, including Forrest Gump, Sex and the City, and When Harry Met Sally.
As the world collectively sings “For auld lang syne, my dear,” the song continues to bridge the past and present, symbolizing unity and shared memories.
