Auld Lang Syne
Performed by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, on bagpipes. Well, it is Scottish after all! The lyrics most familiar today were penned by Robert Burns, or perhaps edited is better term, for the song predates Burns.Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne. Robert Burns 1788
Of course while the Robert Burns version is the most familiar, and while he undoubtedly simplified the song, one is left wondering if it is indeed better compared to earlier versions.
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; The flames of love extinguished, and fully past and gone: Is thy sweet heart now grown so cold, that loving breast of thine; That thou canst never once reflect on Old long syne.
On old long syne my Joe, in old long syne, that thou canst never once reflect, on Old long syne. James Watson 1711
