Auld Lang Syne: A Tribute to Time-Honored Friendships and Fond Memories

No celebration of New Year's Eve in the UK would be complete without the familiar tune of Robert Burns' famous poem "Auld Lang Syne". This beloved Scots poem, written to be sung, pays tribute to old friendships and cherished memories of days gone by. In this article, we will delve into the historical and literary context, meaning, literary devices, imagery, and key themes of "Auld Lang Syne".

Biographical and Literary Background

Born on January 25th in Alloway, Scotland, Robert Burns grew up in a family of poor farmers who struggled financially and moved frequently. By 1786, Burns was facing financial difficulties with his failing farm in Mossgiel and had plans to emigrate to Jamaica for work. To raise funds for his journey, he published his first collection of poems, "Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect" (also known as the Kilmarnock Edition) in the summer of 1786. The success of this collection launched his career as a poet and improved his financial situation.

Thanks to the success of his first publication, Burns was able to abandon his plans to emigrate and instead journeyed to Edinburgh to prepare a second edition and seek out a patron. In 1787, he released the Edinburgh edition and embarked on a tour of Scotland. During his time in Edinburgh, Burns collaborated on James Johnson's collection of traditional Scottish folk songs, "The Scots Musical Museum" (1787-1803). This six-volume collection included about 160 of Burns' songs, including his famous love poem "A Red, Red Rose" (1794). The fifth edition featured his most well-known song, "Auld Lang Syne".

Literary Context

There were numerous versions of "Auld Lang Syne" prior to Burns' rendition. It was a traditional Scottish folk song with a long history, making it difficult to determine the original version. It is likely that previous versions from the 17th and 18th centuries influenced Burns' version.

Earlier versions of "Auld Lang Syne" (often published anonymously) were documented in manuscripts during the 17th century. For instance, nobleman James Crichton (1612-1699), the Second Viscount of Frendraught, kept a diary of various pieces of information. In this diary, he included a ballad that began with the line "Should old acquaintance be forgot". In this version, the speaker expresses regret for the time spent with a disloyal lover.

Scottish poet Sir Robert Ayton (1570-1638) also wrote a version of the song called "Old Long Syne" (1711) which was published in "Choice Collection of Comic and Serious Scots Poems" (1711). This version was written in English and begins with:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,And never thought upon,The flames of love extinguished,And freely past and gone?

The first part of Ayton's version features a heartbroken speaker looking back on past memories with their former lover. The second part reflects on the joy that those memories bring, and the speaker ultimately asks for their love's pity, accepting that they no longer have feelings for them.

In 1720, Scottish poet Allan Ramsay (1686-1758) wrote a song called "Auld Lang Syne", which was later published in "The Hive: A Collection of the Most Celebrated Songs" (1724). This version begins with:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,Tho' they return with scars?These are the noblest hero's lot,Obtain'd in glorious wars.

Ramsay's rendition has a wistful tone similar to Burns' "Auld Lang Syne". In this version, a soldier is reunited with their love, and as they recall the happy memories of their past, they are married. Burns found Ramsay's passion for the Scottish folk tradition to be inspiring.

The First Recording of Burns' "Auld Lang Syne"In 1788, Burns shared "Auld Lang Syne" for the first time in a letter to Mrs. Frances Dunlop, his patron and dear friend. In this letter, he mentioned that the song "occupies the first place in my own heart" and that it could bring him to "tears in a moment". This letter marks the first recording of Burns' version of "Auld Lang Syne".

Dunlop, Robert Burns' Praise for "Auld Lang Syne"

Robert Burns, a renowned poet, highly praised a Scottish song called "Auld Lang Syne" in comparison to other English poems about drunken revelry. He even declared it to be more clever than most English works in the same genre.

The Evolution of "Auld Lang Syne": Exploring Robert Burns' Contribution to the Classic Scottish Song

In 1793, Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote a letter expressing his passion for traditional Scottish songs to George Thomson, the editor of a musical anthology. He submitted his own version of "Auld Lang Syne", criticizing the ordinary tune that was associated with it at the time. Burns also included a stanza from an old folk song and referred to it as "the old Song of the olden times". He noted that the song had never been written down or published until he heard an elderly man singing it.

Although Burns initially downplayed his role, later critics recognized his significant influence in shaping "Auld Lang Syne" into the beloved tune it is today. From 1787 onwards, Burns spent much of his time collecting and refining traditional Scottish songs for various anthologies.

The Lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne": Translating the Scots Language

Let's take a closer look at the meaning behind the Scots words used in the poem "Auld Lang Syne".

The Scots Language and Its Meanings

• Chorus and Refrain
  "Auld Lang Syne" translates to "old time's sake", but literally means "old long since".
  "tak" means "take".
  "Sin" means "since".
• Stanza Four
  "We twa hae" means "We two have".
  "braes" means "hillsides".
  "pu'd the gowans" means "pulled the daisies".
  "mony" means "many".
• Stanza Five
  "paidlet i' the burn" means "paddled in the stream".
  "Frae" means "From".
  "dine" means "dinnertime".
  "braid hae roar'd" means "broadly roared".
• Last Stanza
  "feire" means "friend".
  "gie's" means "give me", but literally translates to "give us".
  "a right gude-willie waught" literally means "a proper good drink".

"Auld Lang Syne" is a quatrain poem, consisting of six stanzas with four rhymed lines in each. The second quatrain serves as the chorus and is repeated after every other stanza. The last line of each stanza is known as the refrain, as it echoes part of the poem's title. Let's dive into the meaning of each quatrain in more detail.

The First Stanza: Reflecting on Old Friendships

The speaker poses thought-provoking questions about the significance of cherishing old friendships. Should we forget about the friends we once held dear? Should we leave behind the happy memories we shared?

The Second Stanza (Chorus): Toasting to Old Times

The speaker raises a glass in celebration of their friendship and the nostalgia for the good old days.

The Third Stanza: Buying Pints and Sharing Memories

The speaker and their friend each buy their own drinks and toast to the past. The mention of pints of beer suggests a pub setting.

The Fourth Stanza: Fond Memories of Childhood

The speaker recalls running through hills and picking daisies with their friend in their youth. They also acknowledge the passage of time and how much both of them have changed since then.

The Fifth Stanza: Remembering Days Spent Together

The speaker fondly reflects on days spent paddling in a stream with their friend, but also acknowledges the distance that has grown between them since then.

The Sixth Stanza: Toasting to Old Friendships

The speaker extends their hand in friendship and suggests a toast to the good old days.

Originally, "Auld Lang Syne" was meant to be sung to a traditional Scottish folk tune. Let's continue to cherish this timeless song and its message to hold onto old friendships and memories.It was originally published in The Scots Musical Museum, Volume Five, where it was set to the tune of another poem titled 'O Can Ye Labor Lea' (1796). Later, composer George Thomson included it in the anthology 'Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs' three years after the poet Robert Burns passed away.

The Poetic Devices in 'Auld Lang Syne' and Their Impact

The structure of the poem follows an ABAB rhyme scheme in the first quatrain and an ABCB rhyme scheme in the remaining five quatrains. This format is commonly used in ballads, which are songs that narrate stories./p>

• Ballad - A song that typically follows a rhymed quatrain with an ABCB rhyme scheme and alternates between lines with four and three stressed syllables. It is often used to retell tales of comedy, tragedy, or heroism.

The meter in 'Auld Lang Syne' adds to its musical quality. The first and third lines of each quatrain are written in iambic tetrameter (four stressed syllables per line) while the second line is in iambic trimeter (three stressed syllables per line). The last line of each quatrain, known as the refrain, follows an iambic dimeter (two stressed syllables per line) with the repeated phrases 'lang syne' or 'auld lang syne'.

• Iambic Tetrameter - A type of poetic meter that consists of alternating stresses (unstressed followed by stressed) and four stressed syllables per line.
• Iambic Trimeter - A type of poetic meter that consists of alternating stresses (unstressed followed by stressed) and three stressed syllables per line.
• Iambic Dimeter - A type of poetic meter that consists of alternating stresses (unstressed followed by stressed) and two stressed syllables per line.

The First Quatrain

'Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o' lang syne!'

The Power of Rhetorical Questions

The speaker uses rhetorical questions in the first quatrain to emphasize the poem's message that we should never forget our old friends or the memories of the past. This technique prompts readers to reflect on the importance of maintaining these connections and whether it is even possible to truly forget them.

• Rhetorical question - A question that is used to make a point rather than elicit an answer. For example, a question like 'And what time do you call this?' is not expected to be answered but rather serves to highlight the lateness of the hour.

The Strength of Repetition

The recurring phrases, such as 'auld lang syne' in the chorus, are a prominent feature in the poem. This not only adds to its musical quality but also reinforces the theme of nostalgia and remembrance.

By understanding the various poetic devices used in 'Auld Lang Syne', readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the sentiment and meaning behind this timeless tune.

The Significance of Reflection in 'Auld Lang Syne' by Robert Burns

The poem 'Auld Lang Syne' by Robert Burns emphasizes the importance of looking back on the past and cherishing the friendships formed during those times. The repetition of the line 'Should auld acquaintance be forgot' in the first quatrain drives home this message.

In the third and sixth quatrains, the speaker and his friend meet at a pub to raise their glasses to the good old days. The use of anaphora in the first three lines of both quatrains, starting with 'And', enhances the idea of the friends' lively and celebratory reunion.

• Anaphora - The repetition of the same words at the beginning of two or more sentences, phrases, or lines.

The phrase 'And surely' is repeated at the beginning of the first two lines in the third quatrain, emphasizing the need for the speaker and his friend to toast to the old times. In quatrains four and five, the speaker fondly recalls memories of playing in nature with his friend, beginning each description with 'We twa hae' ('we two have'). This repetition highlights the strong bond between the friends and the abundance of joyful memories they share.

However, in the second half of quatrains four and five, the speaker acknowledges the distance that time and life have created between him and his friend. Despite this, the theme of reflection and appreciation for past relationships remains prevalent throughout the poem.

A Bittersweet Reflection: Analysis of Robert Burns' Poem "Auld Lang Syne"

In the famous Scottish poem "Auld Lang Syne," the speaker uses the word "but" to bring attention to the contrast between the happy childhood memories and the reality of growing apart in adulthood. This is reinforced by the speaker's delight in reuniting with an old friend at a pub, emphasizing the value of physical presence.

The speaker repeats the metaphor of "taking a cup of kindness" in stanzas two and three, representing a gesture of goodwill between close friends. The cup also symbolizes an alcoholic drink, a fitting representation of a kind gesture between old friends.

• Metaphor - A figure of speech that directly equates two things without using "like" or "as."

Stanzas four and five delve into the speaker's realization of how distance and time have caused emotional and physical separation between him and his friend. The mention of the sea symbolizes the vast emotional gap between the two and the chaos of adult life that can overpower happy childhood memories.

The onomatopoeia "roar'd" in stanza five further solidifies the metaphor of the sea, emphasizing the relentless tug of life that pulls old friends apart. The use of a loud sound also highlights the dominance of adult responsibilities, overshadowing cherished childhood memories.

• Onomatopoeia - A word that imitates the sound it represents.

Through rhetorical questions and the repetition of "auld lang syne," the speaker urges readers to reflect on their own memories with long-time friends. The third stanza sees the friends reunite at the pub and raise their glasses to the good old days.

The speaker in this poem looks back on carefree childhood moments spent with a dear friend in nature before they drifted apart. However, the reunion in stanza six, with a toast to the good old days, holds special significance as the two physically come together again. Despite the passing years, both the speaker and his friend hold on to their cherished memories and share a desire to celebrate their unbreakable bond.

The use of nature in the poem, such as running through Scottish hills and playing in streams, further emphasizes the speaker's wistful yearning for the past.

The language devices used in "Auld Lang Syne" add depth to the poem. The speaker addresses his old friend in first-person, using "I'll," "ye'll," "we'll," and "We twa" to emphasize their deep connection. The celebratory tone and use of repetition convey the speaker's fond recollection of old memories and the joy of sharing a drink with an old friend.

In the chorus and second stanza, the friends raise a "cup o' kindness" to each other and wish for each other's well-being. The use of "right" in stanza six further highlights the sincerity and importance of this moment to both the speaker and his friend. The poet also uses rhetorical questions and repetition to emphasize the message that old friends and cherished memories should not be forgotten.

"Auld Lang Syne," written by Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796), is a famous poem that is often sung as a song, set to music. Originally a traditional Scottish folk song, Burns wrote it in a letter in 1788 before publishing it. Each stanza has four lines, making them quatrains, with the last line repeating part of the title.

Today, "Auld Lang Syne" is still sung in the UK on New Year's Eve as a way to welcome the new year. The themes of friendship, childhood, and memories central to the poem are reflected in the celebratory tone, emphasizing the joy of reuniting with long-time friends. The use of repetition and rhetorical questions further emphasizes the poem's message that cherished memories and enduring friendships should always be cherished and kept alive.

The Meaning Behind 'Auld Lang Syne' and Its Timeless Message

Written in 1796, 'Auld Lang Syne' is a beloved poem that celebrates the enduring bonds of friendship and the value of cherished childhood memories. Its powerful message serves as a reminder to never forget the past and to hold onto the precious memories and dear friends who have influenced our lives.

As we raise our glasses to the good old days, let us reflect on the meaning behind these timeless words.

The title 'Auld Lang Syne' translates to 'old long since' or 'long, long ago' in Scots language. It signifies the passing of time and the bittersweet nostalgia that often accompanies it.

The poem itself speaks of the importance of remembering the joys and sorrows of our past, and the enduring friendships that have stood the test of time.

'Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?'

This famous line serves as a reminder to never forget the people who have been a part of our lives, no matter how much time has passed.

The poem goes on to acknowledge the passing of time and the changes that come with it, but it also highlights the importance of staying connected to our roots and holding onto the memories that have shaped us.

'And days of auld lang syne.'

The final line is a powerful call to remember the good times, the moments that have shaped us, and the friends who have been by our side through it all.

So, as we raise a toast to the good old days, let us remember the true meaning behind 'Auld Lang Syne.' Let us cherish our past and hold onto the memories and friendships that have stood the test of time. As the poem says, 'we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne' - a symbol of everlasting friendship and gratitude for the past.