Auld Lang Syne.

[Alan SHARP]

Auld Lang Syne.

New Years Greetings Russell,

because of your comments I looked up the words on Wikipedia.

This is the version that I remember singing my heart out (or trying to) at the end of most community functions in the local hall, and other large gatherings. All present would try to combine in one complete circle, with cross linked hands. If we had more than 100 people in the local hall, the circle would have looked more like an in impenetrateable maze from above, and woe betide any one who broke the circle as we collectively took the step forward, and then back while singing the chorus.

While not quite so fashionable now, with today’s generation, I’m sure most Kiwi and Aussie WWII baby boomers, would happily sing along with you. Hearing Maori voices sing it, would be something different again, for you Russell and your “true” version.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?
CHORUS:
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.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
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.
CHORUS

Depending on the occasion and the MC quite often it would only be the first couple of verses followed by the last.

Alan SHARP.

[Russell]

Thanks Alan
It's funny that a particular song/poem strikes a chord across the globe.
I think your version has been (mildly) anglicised.
I remember part as
"I'll tak a richt guid willie waught for auld lang syne"

and I'm currently sipping my richt guid single malt watching the BBC attempt at traditional Hogmanay fare (only partially succesful)

Russell

[Alan SHARP]

Greetings again Russell.

If you were to find yourself at the Waipu Highland Games this week, or Dunedin, and many other points between you would be a welcomed guest, and quite 'at home' such are the roots that lead back to Scotland, and the traditions well honoured.

Auld Lang Syne & Christchurch NZ - Quake City.

At midnight NZ daylight saving time a reported 12,000 people celebrated the New Year in the centre of Christchurch City, with the band playing, and people singing, Auld Lang Syne. Looking forward to a New Year, and trying to leave behind the devastation, of the previous three months of quake damage. As seen in the TV coverage of City celebrations.

A defiant celebration keeping the tradition alive, despite [48 hours earlier] civic officials being uncertain, if they would allow the event to go ahead, at the traditional venue, as a large after shock quake during the week, brought down even more masonry into neighbouring streets. The masonry cross at the top of the C of E Cathedral survived previous shocks, but had to be removed for safety’s sake, before the festivities could proceed.

Alan SHARP.

PS. Our attention and prayers are now turning to Rockhampton and the State of Queensland, Australia as a once in 150 year flood sweeps 9m deep through the towns and Cities in it's path.

[Russell]

Well its morning here for me Alan and must be well into late evening for you. Edinburgh had a huge fireworks display to bring in the New Year. The tradition of first footing your neighbours appears to be almost lost and revelry has been usurped by the young. In a way I am quite pleased because entertaining at 2.00 o'clock in the morning has lost its sparkle.
When we heard about the 'quake it dawned that the old country here was not so bad after all. Minus 20 degrees and three feet of snow was really quite acceptable if the earth didn't move under your feet and buildings didn't fall down. Just as well that the antipodean spirit of resilience has not been bred out of healthy stock yet. Sometimes folks across here can be wimps.
Whoops ! 3year old grandson has decided he needs some attention

Russell

[paddyscar]

Amazing resilience, to be singing amid the rubble, don`t you think? Very reminiscent of wartime film (as I`m not actually old enough for personal memories).

I`m wishing a speedy end to the flooding and great speed with the rebuilding and recovery for all our Australian friends affected.

Frances