Auld Lang Syne is a song that many people sing at the beginning of each year. The song began as a poem by Robert Burns. It goes:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne.
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne,
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae run about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin auld lang syne.
Chorus
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And long, long ago.
Chorus
And for long, long ago, my dear
For long, long ago,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago
And surely you’ll buy your pint-jug!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago.
Chorus
We two have run about the hills
And pulled the daisies fine;
But we've wandered manys the weary foot
Since long, long ago.
Chorus
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since long, long ago.
Chorus
And there's a hand, my trusty friend!
And give us a hand of yours!
And we'll take a deep draught of good-will
For long, long ago.
Chorus
This song has been one that I’ve never understood what it means. As we move from 2020 to 2021 it takes on a meaning for me. In 2020, we have fought a battle of sorts with COVID or are fighting against losing a way of life.
We want thing to stay the same, but it’s just not possible. Not one of us will be or can be the same once this year is over.
We can only see what 2021 has in store for us. What we do know is that 2021 needs a little more kindness. Reading out and helping our fellow neighbors who are hurting. Maybe they’ll reach back and we can “hold hands” on our imagination.
We need to be there for each other and support each other. 2021 still has lessons for us, but they’re always easier when a trusted friend has your hand.
My wish for 2021 is that we can find a new sense of life that feels freer. That we can be kind to ourselves and our neighbors who are suffering and come together to create a better vision for the world.
What do you wish for 2021? Let me know. Do you want to know more, click here to book a discovery session or an appointment.