Celebrate New Year’s Eve by leading your loved ones in ‘Auld Lang Syne
Have you ever noticed how many movies feature a New Year’s Eve scene with a group of people singing “Auld Lang Syne”? It’s usually a bit cringeworthy, with everyone singing off-key and holding a drink. But there’s a reason why this song has become a staple in cinema. It’s a timeless tradition.
But here’s the thing, how many of us actually know the words to ”Auld Lang Syne” or sing it in real life? Do you?
Copying movies isn’t always a good idea, but when it comes to singing “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve, the movies got it right. This practice is attributed to bandleader Guy Lombardo. In 1929, he chose “Auld Lang Syne” as a musical interlude to bridge the stroke of midnight between two broadcasts. Little did he know that it would become a beloved tradition.
But what does “Auld Lang Syne” actually mean? The part everyone knows, “For auld lang syne,” roughly translates to “for old times’ sake”. This is why the song is so fitting for New Year’s Eve. While commonly attributed to Scottish poet Robert Burns, the full poem is a combination of older sources and Burns’ creative contribution. The tune we now sing it to, named “Auld Lang Syne”, was not the original tune used for the text. However, its simple melody and easy-to-sing nature make it perfect for group singing. Over time, the melody has evolved to include alterations that add half steps and harmonic interest.
Many a Weary Foot
But it’s the words — the poetry — that make this song so fitting for New Year’s Eve.
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and good old times?
For old times since, my dear,
for good old times,
we’ll drink a cup of kindness yet,
for good old times.
And surely you’ll have your pint cup!
and surely I’ll have mine!
And we’ll drink a cup o’ kindness yet,
for good old times.
Who among us doesn’t resonate with the desire to share a “cup of kindness” with loved ones as we reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year? Who hasn’t walked through life with “many a weary foot” while dealing with worries about work, finances, family, health, or the state of the world? Who hasn’t experienced the distance, time, or loss that separates us from the people we hold dear? And who doesn’t long for the comfort of a “trusty friend” who truly understands and loves us unconditionally?
“Auld Lang Syne” has earned its place in history because it taps into these deep human longings for community, connection, and reassurance that everything will be alright. However, as true as it is, the song lacks a reference to the one who can truly fill that emptiness and provide lasting assurance: God. As Christians, we recently celebrated the birth of Jesus, who came to save a desperate world. So on New Year’s Eve, before or after singing “Auld Lang Syne,” let’s also sing hymns that point us to the One who can bring true peace and hope. Here are a few suggestions:
‘Father, We Praise Thee, Now the Night Is Over’
A morning hymn that expresses gratitude for God’s care throughout the night and asks for His continued provision.
‘The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want’
A paraphrase of Psalm 23.
‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’
A hymn that instills trust in the knowledge that our earthly bodies and this world will pass away, but we have an eternal home with the Lord.
‘Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old’
A hymn that testifies to Christ’s saving work and prays for His continued deliverance.
‘Abide with Me’
A prayer for evening and life’s end.
And Finally, ‘Auld Lang Syne’
The above links have been chosen for their practical usefulness, providing straightforward singing, accompaniment, and lyrics. Singing together is a meaningful act, and apart from birthdays and sporting events, holidays are one of the few times in the 21st century when Americans still sing together. So if you’ve never sung “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve, this is the perfect year to start. And remember, keep singing!
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What are some hymns that can be sung alongside ”Auld Lang Syne” to bring a deeper sense of hope and assurance for the future
Formal Article: The Timeless Tradition of “Auld Lang Syne” and the Power of Hymns
Have you ever noticed how many movies feature a New Year’s Eve scene with a group of people singing “Auld Lang Syne”? It’s usually a bit cringeworthy, with everyone singing off-key and holding a drink. But there’s a reason why this song has become a staple in cinema. It’s a timeless tradition.
But here’s the thing, how many of us actually know the words to “Auld Lang Syne” or sing it in real life? Do you?
Copying movies isn’t always a good idea, but when it comes to singing “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve, the movies got it right. This practice is attributed to bandleader Guy Lombardo. In 1929, he chose “Auld Lang Syne” as a musical interlude to bridge the stroke of midnight between two broadcasts. Little did he know that it would become a beloved tradition.
But what does “Auld Lang Syne” actually mean? The part everyone knows, “For auld lang syne,” roughly translates to “for old times’ sake”. This is why the song is so fitting for New Year’s Eve. While commonly attributed to Scottish poet Robert Burns, the full poem is a combination of older sources and Burns’ creative contribution. The tune we now sing it to, named “Auld Lang Syne”, was not the original tune used for the text. However, its simple melody and easy-to-sing nature make it perfect for group singing. Over time, the melody has evolved to include alterations that add half steps and harmonic interest.
But it’s the words – the poetry – that make this song so fitting for New Year’s Eve.
“Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and good old times?
For old times since, my dear,
for good old times,
we’ll drink a cup of kindness yet,
for good old times.
And surely you’ll have your pint cup!
and surely I’ll have mine!
And we’ll drink a cup o’ kindness yet,
for good old times.”
Who among us doesn’t resonate with the desire to share a “cup of kindness” with loved ones as we reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year? Who hasn’t walked through life with “many a weary foot” while dealing with worries about work, finances, family, health, or the state of the world? Who hasn’t experienced the distance, time, or loss that separates us from the people we hold dear? And who doesn’t long for the comfort of a “trusty friend” who truly understands and loves us unconditionally?
“Auld Lang Syne” has earned its place in history because it taps into these deep human longings for community, connection, and reassurance that everything will be alright. However, as true as it is, the song lacks a reference to the one who can truly fill that emptiness and provide lasting assurance: God. As Christians, we recently celebrated the birth of Jesus, who came to save a desperate world. So on New Year’s Eve, before or after singing “Auld Lang Syne,” let’s also sing hymns that point us to the One who can bring true peace and hope. Here are a few suggestions:
– “Father, We Praise Thee, Now the Night Is Over”: A morning hymn that expresses gratitude for God’s care throughout the night and asks for His continued provision.
– “The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want”: A paraphrase of Psalm 23.
– “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”: A hymn that instills trust in the knowledge that our earthly bodies and this world will pass away, but we have an eternal home with the Lord.
– “Your Hand, O Lord, in Days of Old”: A hymn that testifies to Christ’s saving work and prays for His continued deliverance.
– “Abide with Me”: A prayer for evening and life’s end.
These hymns remind us that while “Auld Lang Syne” captures the sentiment of the past year, we have a hope and assurance that goes beyond the passing of time. As we sing together on New Year’s Eve, let us remember the One who can bring true joy, peace, and comfort in every season of life.
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