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Auld Lang Syne

As the clock strkes midnight on New Year's Eve, fireworks explode, friends exchange kisses, and the strains of a familiar tune are heard.

Auld Lang Syne is as iconic of New Year's Eve as gifts and carols are of Christmas. Howerver, many people aren't familiar with what it means and have only a tenuous grasp of the lyrics.

The lyrics
"Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o'kindeness yet,
For auld lang syne."

The meaning

The Scottish roots are obvious: Auld lang syne" refers to "days long ago." And "auld ," simply put, means, "old friends." So the first verse talks about whether the past should be forgotten. The chorus, however, offers , which is why the song is appropriate for an occasion like the end of the year.

The history

Scottish immigrants carried the song to America, where, less than a century ago, it became associated with New Year's Eve. Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo heard the song as a child. He and his brother first played Auld Lang Syne at a New York City New Year's party in 1929. The performance a tradition that would continue both in Lombardo's career--which would later include radio and television specials--and raound the world.

Today this song is sung throughout the English-speaking world to celebrate the New Year. In Scotland, it's still part of a traditional dance. In parts of Asia, it is played at graduation and funeral ceremonies. Throughout Europe, it is also used to mark a farewell.

As 2007 comes to an end, we may of the year. Yet, Auld Lang Syne inspires us to treasure the memories of kindness and friendship.

Vocabulary Focus

tenuous(adj)--- weak or possibly not existing

toast (n)--- an expression of good will or respect made by holding up and drinking from one's glass

spark (v)--- to cause the start of something

Specialized terms