From all the staff at OISE Oxford we would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year! We have seen many students come and go over the year and it has been an absolute pleasure to meet you all.
Later tonight the traditional new year's song 'Auld Lang Syne' will once again resound all over the world as 2014 commences. The song's title translates into colloquial English as "the good old days" or "back in the day" and its lyrics were originally written by well-known Scottish poet Robert Burns back in 1788, inspired by fragments of traditional songs from earlier times. But it was not until after his death that the tune emerged and it has since gained huge popularity all over the world, being translated into numerous different languages. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the lyrics, take this opportunity to swat up ready to join in the sing-song and click here to get to grips with the tune. Don't worry, the first verse and the chorus should be more than enough to get by!
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 you'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 ran about the braes
And pu'd the gowans fine
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne.
Chorus
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn
Frae morning sun til 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-willie waught
For auld lang syne!
Chorus
For more on how this simple Scottish folk song became one of the world's most popular songs and what it means, visit: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25402099
