Translation
The title of the song has been translated into modern English in various ways, including the literal translation ‘old too long’ and the more idiomatic ‘days gone by’. In Matthew Fitt’s translation of fairy tales into the Scottish language, he uses the phrase ‘In the days o lang syne’ which others use ‘Once upon a time.’ See the resource section for lyrics and a chance to listen to the song.
Meaning
The basic message of the poem is that we should not forget our friends from earlier times. The song meets two old friends who have not met for a long time and shared a drink together. They like to recall memories from a long time ago, such as how people talk about ‘the good old days’.
The author
Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns, is widely regarded as Scotland’s national poet. The burners said he took some of the lyrics from an old man he heard singing, and the song resembles a ballad called ‘Old Long Syne’, published in 1711 by James Watson. Burns was a Freemason, and today the Masons perform a special ritual that sings this song to symbolize their friendship. Burns are also known for their poem, ‘Coming Thro’ Rye ‘, especially because it forms the basis of the title of JD Salinger’s beloved novel,’ The Catcher in the Rye. ‘ In the novel, young Holden Caufield remembers the lyrics incorrectly.
Features
‘Auld Lang Syne’ is strongly associated with the Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo, whose band played so ng on New Year’s Eve radio and television broadcasts from 1929 to 1976. Lombardo passed away in 1977 and ended the tradition. ‘Auld Lang Syne’ has been recorded by many musicians in many styles.
Trivia
The Guinness Book of World Records lists’ Auld Lang Syne ‘as one of the most common songs in English along with’ Happy Birthday ‘and’ For Him ‘is Jolly Good Fellow.’ The song is sung or played in many movies, from ‘It’ said Wonderful Life ‘to’ When Harry Met Sally. “Auld Lang Syne” is a song traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve in English-speaking regions such as North America and the United Kingdom. People sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and say goodbye to the old year. as a poem written in 1788 by Scottish poet Robert Burns, which he then set to a folk tune.
Source:danspela.com