“Auld Lang Syne”~ (For the Sake of Old Times)

The English interpretation of this song title is ‘Old long since’, or ‘For the sake of old times’. It also takes on the same meaning as “Once upon a time…” 

This reflective song is about two friends catching up over drinks, while reminiscing about their long-time (and occasionally distant) friendship. 

“Auld Lang Syne” is traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve. This tradition began in Scotland, where Hogmanay (the Scottish New Year Celebration), would be marked by the singing of this song while joining hands to form a circle. I imagine that it must be deeply moving to be part of a giant circle of friends and strangers holding hands while singing these words. 

The famous words were written by a favorite Scottish poet, Robert Burns, in 1788. Most of us know the first verse of “Auld Lang Syne” from our New Year’s Eve festivities, but how many of us can say they know the rest of the verses written by Burns? Either for the first time or a refresher for those that know the verses, here are the wise and meaningful words. 

First verse:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Second verse:
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Third verse:
We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin’ auld lang syne.

Fourth verse:
We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin’ auld lang syne.

Fifth verse:
And there’s a hand,
my trusty fiere!
and gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.

My reason for writing about Auld Lang Syne is simple. First, to wish you all a happy New Year. Second, to “sing” you into a nostalgic and peaceful place. And third, to wish you a new year filled with memories of “once upon a time”. This year, “for the sake of old times”, share stories with our children about kindness and model it for them. Teachers speak kindly with (and about) your administration, school board members and parents. Administrators, speak compassionately to (and about) your staff and families. Parents and caregivers, speak kindheartedly to your teachers, administration, and board members. We don’t know what our children are picking up and absorbing into their views of the world. Let the things they pick up from us be constructed and gilded in kindness and benevolence. 

“And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! and gie’s a hand o’ thine!” 

Translation: "And here's a hand, my trusted friend! And give me a hand of yours!" Let this be an offer of friendship, a call for union (or reunion) between teachers, parents, administration, and all with whom we come in contact for the sake of our gifted children. They are served and supported best by kind, healthy, scaffolded relationships around them. Be a part of the giant circle of friends and strangers that support our children. And, if and when it’s tough (or distant), perhaps hum this tune as needed. 

Happy New Year dear Friends!

- Cathy Schmit, Past President/Advisor