As we close out the old year
and welcome in the new one, I’d like to share with you my favorite version of “Auld
Lang Syne,” performed by James Taylor. I confess to listening to this haunting
yet hopeful tune when I’m feeling reflective year-round, not just during the
holidays.
According to Wikipedia, the
original poem that provides the lyrics was written by Scottish poet Robert
Burns in 1788. The music is a traditional folk song. In fact, the origins of
the song may stretch back to an earlier ballad printed by James Watson in 1711.
However you figure it, that’s a lot of New Year’s Eves ago.
But what does it mean? The
original Scottish title can be loosely translated to “long, long ago,” “old
times,” or “days gone by.” The lyrics ask whether old times, and old friends,
should be forgotten. They seem to remind us, in the words of a traditional camp
song, to “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, and the other
gold.” It’s sung on New Year’s Eve in English-speaking countries around the
world, and played on other occasions as well.
As family historians, we do
our best to keep the memories of old times, and the legends of people who lived
long gone, alive. We are preservationists at heart. The message of “Auld Lang
Syne” is one that speaks to what we do each time we research and tell the
stories of our ancestors. When you think about it, it could be the patron song
of genealogists.
I hope you enjoy this
rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.” May you enjoy a new year filled with peace,
prosperity, good health, and good times!
--Shelley
Sweet, Shelley! Yes, I'd take that for my research anthem, too. We family historians are the Auld-Lang-Syners!
ReplyDeleteYes, I think we are, Jacqi! And it never really occurred to me until I sat down to write this post. Then it just all came together. Happy New Year to you!
DeleteOh Shelley...so beautiful...I can't stop crying...
ReplyDeletethanks so much for sharing!
Peace to you, Dorene, as you close out a difficult year. Hope the new one brings you many blessings and joys to light your days.
DeleteHappy New Year, Shelley. I love James Taylor, too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathy. Happy New Year to you!
DeleteWhat a pretty image you have in this post, Shelley, and thanks for sharing this song.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you and yours.
Glad to know you enjoyed it, Jill. Hope you have a wonderful 2013.
DeleteVery best wishes for a the new year.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rorey, and same to you!
DeleteA lovely card, Shelley, and the old familiar song! Hope you had a Happy Hogmanay and all the best for the coming year :-) Jo
ReplyDeleteJames Taylor's voice is fabulous. I love the idea of "Auld Lang Syne" being the patron song of genealogists. Happy New Year to you, too, Shelley.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this treat. I've enjoyed James Taylor's strong, clear voice through the years. Hearing it again was "a cup of kindness."
ReplyDelete