Poet Robert Burns, known for his lyrical contributions to Scottish folklore, once recounted a tale in a letter about hearing an elderly man sing a song that had never before been documented in print or manuscript. This revelation was shared by Christine Nelson, who curated an exhibition at the Morgan Library in Manhattan focusing on the song. The origins of the song traced back to “Auld Kyndness Forgot,” found in a manuscript dating back to 1568, as noted by scholar Pittock. Burns, renowned for his poetic craftsmanship, was believed to have significantly revised the lyrics of the song before sharing them with the public.
In a 2012 interview, Nelson shed light on Burns’ approach to reviving old songs, mentioning his practice of “mending” these traditional tunes for posterity. The words penned by Burns were initially published in 1796, with a slightly altered version sent to a publisher in 1793 but not released until 1799, posthumously. The most recognized rendition of the song “Auld Lang Syne” was the 1799 publication.
The enduring tradition of singing “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve, particularly in the United States, can be attributed to Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo. Lombardo and his Royal Canadian Big Band reintroduced the song to the masses during a New Year’s Eve broadcast in 1929. Reflecting on his roots in western Ontario with a significant Scottish population, Lombardo shared that closing dance events with “Auld Lang Syne” was customary.
Following Lombardo’s influential broadcast, the song became ingrained in popular culture, appearing in various forms of media such as “Forrest Gump,” “Sex and the City,” and “When Harry Met Sally.” The latter film features a memorable exchange between characters Harry and Sally, portrayed by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, respectively, pondering the meaning behind the song’s lyrics and its significance in commemorating old friendships.
As its popularity persisted, the essence of “Auld Lang Syne” encapsulated a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie, symbolizing the shared experiences and cherished memories of times gone by. Exploring the question posed in the song’s verses, the U.S. Embassy in Italy articulated the sentiment of embracing past connections and embracing the promise of new beginnings as each year unfolds.
In conclusion, the timeless appeal of “Auld Lang Syne” resonates across cultures, symbolizing the universal theme of remembrance and camaraderie as individuals come together to bid farewell to the past and welcome the possibilities of the future.
