How cool is it that a tune written in the 1700s is still played every year, every Dec. 31st, like clockwork.

Auld Lange Syne, based on a Scottish poem by the poet Robert Burns, was popularized by Guy Lombardo in 1929 on a radio broadcast, and it’s stuck ever since. The song has been recorded by everyone from Glenn Miller, Rod Stewart, Mariah Carey, the Beach Boys and Barenaked Ladies.

I also love Dan Fogelberg’s “Same Old Auld Lang Syne,” which carries a strain of the original in there.

While the song is associated with New Year’s and friendship, it’s also a Christmas staple, as witnessed in the finale of the 1944 classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Last year’s take:

Jefferson Graham's PhotowalksTV newsletter

Auld Lang Syne 2022