Happy New Year
Last night, as the stroke of midnight rolled across the world's time zones, people gathered in private and took to the streets to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, 2014. Fireworks erupted from Sydney to Hamilton, and revelers gathered to raise a glass, to make resolutions, and to wish each other a "Happy New Year!"
And when the clock struck midnight – "Auld Lang Syne" started to play. Should old acquaintance be forgot and something, something, something. Chances are, most people know the tune of the New Year's song "Auld Lang Syne," but not much more than the first few words or what it even means. According to Scotland.org, Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote the lyrics to "Auld Lang Syne." The beloved song can be heard from Brooklyn to Bangkok, but the familiar melody is not the one Burns knew. But what does it mean? The site notes that while the song references the love and kindness that was experienced in the past, it also gives listeners a sense of union and belonging to bring with them into the future. Quite fitting, eh?
According to the Examiner, "auld lang syne" is Scots for "old long ago." But in the way it is used in the song, it essentially means the "good old days." And now you can finally sing the right lyrics:
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old 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 o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot, since 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.
And there's a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.
All of us here at Effort Trust would like to wish you and yours all the best for 2014! Happy New Year!