Auld Lang Syne:

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 fit,

sin auld lang syne.
 

CHORUS
 

We twa hae paidl’d i' the burn,

frae morning 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 gude-willy waught,

for auld lang syne.
 

For auld lang syne, my jo,

for auld lang syne,

we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.


 

James Watson version (1711):
 

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.
 

CHORUS: On Old long syne my Jo,

in Old long syne,

That thou canst never once reflect,

on Old long syne.
 

My Heart is ravisht with delight,

when thee I think upon;

All Grief and Sorrow takes the flight,

and speedily is gone.
 

The bright resemblance of thy Face,

so fills this, Heart of mine;

That Force nor Fate can me displease,

for Old long syne.
 

CHORUS
 

Since thoughts of thee doth banish grief,

when from thee I am gone;

will not thy presence yield relief,

to this sad Heart of mine:
 

Why doth thy presence me defeat,

with excellence divine?

Especially when I reflect

on Old long syne
 

On Old long syne my Jo,

in Old long syne,

That thou canst never once reflect,

on Old long syne.


 

                Last night was a most-enjoyable one. I went to a friend’s house to chill and welcome the New Year in. We watched movies and played video games mostly, while snacking on morsels that were barely, if at all, aiding to our health. We did break out our guitars (And his shiny, new mandolin!) to play a few bars though.  It was all good-fun. Egg-Nog and Sparkling cider flowed freely for all who partook. We stayed up ‘till midnight, and then some, giving the New Year a hearty welcome and thinking back on the last year and memories that were made therein. A Lovely evening, really, absolutely lovely.

This past year has so flown by. But reminiscing on the times I enjoyed, this year was a blessing to me, truly. I learned so much these last twelve months and met so many fine people. I’ve made some incredible friends and grown much closer to the ones I knew before. I also see where I’d like my life to go. I feel I have a target; a pinpoint, towards which I can begin trekking. Though I know the hike will be long and the path is still all but entirely obscured, I feel I know where I’m headed at least. Now all that’s left is for me to throw my satchel over my shoulder and take the first step. (What a daunting task that seems though. I know I wouldn’t be able to even start this journey without aid of some kind, and that is the strongest reason I cherish my relationships with my dear friends, loving family members, and awe-inspiring Heavenly Father. My hope, my prayer, is that this journey is one He looks down upon with pride and happiness.)

So cheers, mates! For a grand, new year we have to live and experience. This year is ought to be full of as many, if not more, adventures and surprises within. And certainly dark clouds hang over it, ready to cause confusion and sorrow… but we can yet rejoice, for those clouds are not here, and we can prepare to face them with boldness. Cheers to you all. For old acquaintance need not be forgotten for good times sake. I pray all enjoy a Happy New Year.