When Harry Met Sally & Auld Lang Syne

Having never been one to make New Year's resolutions (I've always thought that if I'm going to do something important I better get to it, not wait for the New Year and then spend a year worrying if I'm living up to my self-made promises) I'm not about to start this year.  Instead, I started thinking about all things New Year's Eve which led me to the movie When Harry Met Sally, and that wonderful New Year's Eve scene when Harry asks Sally about the meaning of Auld Lang Syne.  It's a classic scene and if you are among the few who have never seen the movie, I might suggest you spend your New Year's Eve watching Harry and Sally bumble their way through finding each other.  You won't regret the time spent.

To answer Harry's question I did a little research this morning and found ...The traditional song for ringing in the New Year in almost every English speaking country in the world is Auld Lang Syne. This New Year Song is generally credited to Robert Burns, but earlier versions of this ballad precede his time. Burns combined a common Scottish folk song with his own lyrics to arrive at the version commonly sung on New Year's Eve.

What is the meaning of this New Year's Eve Song? Auld Lang Syne is about old friends who have parted and meet again. To celebrate their long friendship, they share a drink together and reminisce of memories from long ago. The basic message is that we should not forget our old friends and should celebrate a reunion with them.  *NewYearFavors.com

To view Harry & Sally - right click and open link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNsu6CeTKpc&NR=1&feature=endscreen

Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns

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

 

Translation:

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And days of long ago!

Chorus:
For old long ago, my dear
For old long ago,
We will take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago.