Auld Lang Syne (with "Die Goeie Oue Tyd") - Mass Choir | Boston ChoirFest

"Auld Lang Syne"
Performed by the mass choir and audience at the Boston ChoirFest 2025
Conducted by Karen Schofield-Nel
Video by Ady-Team Live Streaming
Audio by Gerhard Roux

Auld Lang Syne is a famous Scottish poem and song by Robert Burns, meaning "old long since" or "for old times' sake," traditionally sung to remember old friends and moments as the new year begins, evoking nostalgia and fellowship with themes of friendship, memory, and reconciliation. While Burns recorded the lyrics in 1788, the familiar melody came later, popularized globally through radio broadcasts by Guy Lombardo in the 20th century, cementing its role as a New Year's Eve anthem.

Origin:
A poem by Scottish national poet Robert Burns (late 1780s) based on older folk songs, published posthumously in 1796.

Meaning:
"For old times' sake," reflecting on shared past experiences and enduring friendships.

Tradition:
Sung globally at midnight on New Year's Eve, often with participants crossing arms and holding hands in a circle.

Themes:
Nostalgia, remembrance, unity, and the passage of time.

Melody:
The tune we know today wasn't the original but was added later by publisher George Thomson, becoming famous through widespread radio play.

Popularity:
Burns sent the poem to the Scots Musical Museum, noting he'd transcribed it from an old man's singing.
Its global fame surged with Guy Lombardo's radio broadcasts from the 1920s to 1970s, making it a New Year's staple.

Beyond New Year's:
The song's versatile themes make it suitable for other farewells, graduations, funerals, and Scouting events.
In Japan, the tune is used in stores to signal closing time ("Hotaru no Hikari").

Lyrics:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Afrikaans:
Sal ons ou vriende ooit vergeet
En die goeie oue tyd

Die goeie oue tyd, my vriend, die goeie oue tyd

Afrikaans version: "Die Goeie Oue Tyd"
"Die Goeie Oue Tyd" ("The Good Old Days") is a beloved Afrikaans song about reminiscing about childhood friendships and good times, embodying themes similar to "Auld Lang Syne" for New Year's or reunions, celebrating enduring bonds of friendship.

Meaning: It's a nostalgic tune about treasured memories of playing as children, shared laughter, and promises to stay friends forever ("Sal vriende ooit mekaar vergeet...").
Popular Versions:
Cultural Significance: Often sung at gatherings, farewells, and New Year's celebrations in South Africa, much like "Auld Lang Syne" in English-speaking cultures.
In essence, it's a heartwarming Afrikaans standard that evokes shared history and the cherished memories of "the good old days" with friends.

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