DAN RATHER AND TEAM STEADY

DEC 29, 2024

As we contemplate the end of a taxing and trying year, the sentiments of an albeit obvious choice could not be more appropriate. “Auld Lang Syne” has been a tradition and a favorite for decades. I’ve heard dozens of versions over the years, but I don’t think I’ve ever found one this beautiful. It’s certainly a reason to smile. The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin chamber choir performance is pure enchantment.

LYRICS:

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and 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. And surely you’ll buy your pint cup, and surely I’ll buy mine! And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. For auld lang syne …

We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun ‘till dine; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne. For auld lang syne … And there’s a hand my trusty friend! And gi’es a hand o’ thine! We’ll take a right goodwill draught, for auld lang syne! For auld lang syne …

The song, traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve, poses the question: How do we best remember old friends and fond moments of the past year? The answer, the song says, is to “share a cup of kindness yet” as we journey into the new year.

“Auld Lang Syne” is based on an 18th century poem by Scotsman Robert Burns, which he based on traditional folk songs and stories. Burns sent a copy of his song to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788 with a note: “The following song, an old song, of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript until I took it down from an old man.”

Bandleader Guy Lombardo and his orchestra first wove the song into our national fabric almost 100 years ago, on New Year’s Eve 1929. He performed it every year for the next 47. Here is his final performance on December 31, 1976.