CHRISTMAS ON CYLINDERS CONCERT PART 2
The City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society is pleased to invite its friends to step back in time to the early 20th century for a seasonal concert of Christmas songs, sketches, carols and recitations as heard on phonograph cylinders of the period.
Christmas Morning with the Kiddies (Hager) - BA 3035 by the Peerless Orchestra with sound effects and vocal lead. Released Dec. 1916.This "charming descriptive number" as the Edison Phonograph Monthly describes it, portrays the mother of a family of many children supervising the distribution of noisy presents to the children. Undoubtedly, the greatest present of all is the father's gift of an Edison Diamond Disc phonograph which obliges the family with a distant rendering of "Ring out the Bells for Christmas." Edison's cylinder dealers reacted with indignation, and the issue was recalled within a few days, with the result that this cylinder is the rarest of the Christmas numbers on Blue Amberols.
While Shepherds watched their Flocks. - sung by the Westminster Choir. Edison Bell 10011. Released Dec. 1906.
The Westminster Choir was probably a studio confection of singers who happened to be available at the time of recording rather than a recognised choir from Westminster. That said, the performance with its band accompaniment has a real seasonal feel. The performance lasts some 2 minutes 40 seconds which is too long for a standard 160 rpm two minute cylinder which gives 2 minutes 15 seconds, so the studio has resorted to the old industry standard of 144 rpm for this and two other carols released at the same time. I suspect this is the a legacy of Russell Hunting who used the same trick on Sterling cylinders when extra time was needed.
The carol goes back to about 1700 and is sung to the 16th century tune known as Winchester Old. The words were by Nahum Tate, Poet Laureate under Queen Anne, and Nicholas Brady who specialised in putting psalms into verse. The text is based on the appearance of an angel to shepherds guarding their flocks as described in Luke's Gospel 2:-8-14. Because of this sound scriptural basis, it was the first hymn licensed for use in the Anglican Church. Before this time, only psalms were permitted to be sung in services.
The Westminster Choir was probably a studio confection of singers who happened to be available at the time of recording rather than a recognised choir from Westminster. That said, the performance with its band accompaniment has a real seasonal feel. The performance lasts some 2 minutes 40 seconds which is too long for a standard 160 rpm two minute cylinder which gives 2 minutes 15 seconds, so the studio has resorted to the old industry standard of 144 rpm for this and two other carols released at the same time. I suspect this is the a legacy of Russell Hunting who used the same trick on Sterling cylinders when extra time was needed.
The carol goes back to about 1700 and is sung to the 16th century tune known as Winchester Old. The words were by Nahum Tate, Poet Laureate under Queen Anne, and Nicholas Brady who specialised in putting psalms into verse. The text is based on the appearance of an angel to shepherds guarding their flocks as described in Luke's Gospel 2:-8-14. Because of this sound scriptural basis, it was the first hymn licensed for use in the Anglican Church. Before this time, only psalms were permitted to be sung in services.
Hark the Herald Angels sing. - sung by the Westminster Choir. Edison Bell 10010. Released Dec. 1906.
The Westminster Choir was probably a studio confection of singers who happened to be available at the time of recording rather than a recognised choir from Westminster. That said, the performance with its band accompaniment has a real seasonal feel. The performance lasts some 2 minutes 40 seconds which is too long for a standard 160 rpm two minute cylinder which gives 2 minutes 15 seconds, so the studio has resorted to the old industry standard of 144 rpm for this and two other carols released at the same time. I suspect this is the a legacy of Russell Hunting who used the same trick on Sterling cylinders when extra time was needed.
This carol first appeared in 1739 and was written by Charles Wesley and revised by his colleague George Whitfield. The tune is one adapted by William H. Cummings from music by Mendelssohn in 1855.
The Westminster Choir was probably a studio confection of singers who happened to be available at the time of recording rather than a recognised choir from Westminster. That said, the performance with its band accompaniment has a real seasonal feel. The performance lasts some 2 minutes 40 seconds which is too long for a standard 160 rpm two minute cylinder which gives 2 minutes 15 seconds, so the studio has resorted to the old industry standard of 144 rpm for this and two other carols released at the same time. I suspect this is the a legacy of Russell Hunting who used the same trick on Sterling cylinders when extra time was needed.
This carol first appeared in 1739 and was written by Charles Wesley and revised by his colleague George Whitfield. The tune is one adapted by William H. Cummings from music by Mendelssohn in 1855.
A Jolly Christmas Eve. (Descriptive sketch arranged by George Ison). Clarion 60. Released December 1907.
This is the third of a series of rustic Christmas records issued by Clarion. It follows on from Christmas Eve in the Old Homestead and opens with the old squire having a party with dancing. He asks his son to sing "The Mighty Roast Beef of Old England" after which carol singers arrive to sing "Noel, Noel." Following this, there is a round of drinks and toasting and the old squire's hospitality is acknowledged with, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."
This is the third of a series of rustic Christmas records issued by Clarion. It follows on from Christmas Eve in the Old Homestead and opens with the old squire having a party with dancing. He asks his son to sing "The Mighty Roast Beef of Old England" after which carol singers arrive to sing "Noel, Noel." Following this, there is a round of drinks and toasting and the old squire's hospitality is acknowledged with, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."
Aladdin. Pantomime story told by Percy Clifton. Edison 13658. Released December 1907.
One of three potted pantomimes released by Edison for the British market, this one deals with the story of Aladdin, a young Chinese lad who is persuaded to retrieve a lamp from a cave. He is given a magic ring to help him.... the record gives a fair synopsis of the story, so I shall let Percy Clifton do the talking. The story was interpolated into the "Thousand and One Nights by its French translator, Antoine Gailland. He heard the story from a Syrian storyteller from Aleppo in 1709. In 1788, the tale was dramatised by John O'Keefe for the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden and following on from that, has been a popular pantomime ever since.
One of three potted pantomimes released by Edison for the British market, this one deals with the story of Aladdin, a young Chinese lad who is persuaded to retrieve a lamp from a cave. He is given a magic ring to help him.... the record gives a fair synopsis of the story, so I shall let Percy Clifton do the talking. The story was interpolated into the "Thousand and One Nights by its French translator, Antoine Gailland. He heard the story from a Syrian storyteller from Aleppo in 1709. In 1788, the tale was dramatised by John O'Keefe for the Theatre Royal, Covent Garden and following on from that, has been a popular pantomime ever since.
Cinderella. Pantomime story told by Percy Clifton. Edison 13660. Released December 1907.
The story of Cinderella would seem to be a classic of human story-telling and versions of it are to be found all over the world, starting with a version from the Ptolemaic period in ancient Egypt. The pantomime version was first produced in the Drury Lane Theatre, London in 1904, followed in 1905 at the Adelphi Theatre with Phyllis Dare.
The story of Cinderella would seem to be a classic of human story-telling and versions of it are to be found all over the world, starting with a version from the Ptolemaic period in ancient Egypt. The pantomime version was first produced in the Drury Lane Theatre, London in 1904, followed in 1905 at the Adelphi Theatre with Phyllis Dare.
Hail, Smiling Morn! played by the Apollo Brass Quartet. (Reginald Spofforth) Edison Bell 378. Recorded 10th November 1904.
Hail, Smiling Morn! was composed in 1810 by Reginald Spofforth (1770-1827) as a glee suitable for either Christmas or Easter. This recording is an instrumental version, but as it is normally a glee, it may please some to be able to read the words. It is especially popular in the North of England
Hail, Smiling Morn! was composed in 1810 by Reginald Spofforth (1770-1827) as a glee suitable for either Christmas or Easter. This recording is an instrumental version, but as it is normally a glee, it may please some to be able to read the words. It is especially popular in the North of England
Hail smiling morn, smiling morn,
That tips the hills with gold, that tips the hills with gold,
Whose rosy fingers ope the gates of day,
Ope the gates, the gates of day,
Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!
Who the gay face of nature doth unfold,
Who the gay face of nature doth unfold,
At whose bright presence darkness flies away, flies away,
Darkness flies away, darkness flies away,
At whose bright presence darkness flies away, flies away,
Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!
Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!
That tips the hills with gold, that tips the hills with gold,
Whose rosy fingers ope the gates of day,
Ope the gates, the gates of day,
Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!
Who the gay face of nature doth unfold,
Who the gay face of nature doth unfold,
At whose bright presence darkness flies away, flies away,
Darkness flies away, darkness flies away,
At whose bright presence darkness flies away, flies away,
Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!
Hail! Hail! Hail! Hail!
A Christmas Ghost Story - spoken by Harry Grattan. Edison 13351. Released November 1905.
The various descriptive and pantomime selections amongst these cylinder recordings give some idea of Christmas festivities of days of yore. But in homes before television and films, another tradition was the telling of ghost stories to fire imaginations during the long dark evenings. This dramatic tale has many convincing, if theatrical sound effects and a twist in its tail.
The various descriptive and pantomime selections amongst these cylinder recordings give some idea of Christmas festivities of days of yore. But in homes before television and films, another tradition was the telling of ghost stories to fire imaginations during the long dark evenings. This dramatic tale has many convincing, if theatrical sound effects and a twist in its tail.
The Awakening of Scrooge - spoken by Bransby Williams. Edison wax Amberol 12378. Released December 1911.
This Christmas classic based on part of Charles Dickens "Christmas Carol" published in 1853. The miser Scrooge has oppressed all around him, but one Christmas Eve the spirits of Christmas past, present and future visit him in a dream and show him the error and consequences of his ways. Terrified, he wakes up from his disturbed night and is relieved to learn that he has not missed Christmas and that he has the welcome opportunity to mend his ways.
This Christmas classic based on part of Charles Dickens "Christmas Carol" published in 1853. The miser Scrooge has oppressed all around him, but one Christmas Eve the spirits of Christmas past, present and future visit him in a dream and show him the error and consequences of his ways. Terrified, he wakes up from his disturbed night and is relieved to learn that he has not missed Christmas and that he has the welcome opportunity to mend his ways.
Christmas Time in Merry England. Selection by the Royal Military Band. Edison Bell 723. Recorded 24th November, 1904.
The Edison Bell catalogue says it all! "This is essentially a Christmas record. The selection opens with the chimes ringing in the merrie (sic) season. Snow is falling, but so softly it cannot be heard on the record. The listener must appeal to his imagination. Outside the hall a party of carollers are heard singing the "Mistletoe Bough" and "God Rest Ye Merrie Gentlemen." Suddenly the old clock booms forth the midnight hour, when "Good Nights" and "Good Wishes" are exchanged by the parting guests
The Edison Bell catalogue says it all! "This is essentially a Christmas record. The selection opens with the chimes ringing in the merrie (sic) season. Snow is falling, but so softly it cannot be heard on the record. The listener must appeal to his imagination. Outside the hall a party of carollers are heard singing the "Mistletoe Bough" and "God Rest Ye Merrie Gentlemen." Suddenly the old clock booms forth the midnight hour, when "Good Nights" and "Good Wishes" are exchanged by the parting guests
Christmas Day. Selection by the Royal Military Band. Edison Bell 725. Recorded October 17th, 1904
Once again, the Edison Bell catalogue says all! A musical story. The day opens with the waits singing, "Hail Smiling Morn," later on the party sit down to the festive board and grace is sung. This is followed by "The Roast Beef of Old England," until one enthusiastic guest exclaims to the host, "He's a Jolly Good Fellow." This prompts a hale and hearty old squire to sing, "A Fine Old English Gentleman."
Once again, the Edison Bell catalogue says all! A musical story. The day opens with the waits singing, "Hail Smiling Morn," later on the party sit down to the festive board and grace is sung. This is followed by "The Roast Beef of Old England," until one enthusiastic guest exclaims to the host, "He's a Jolly Good Fellow." This prompts a hale and hearty old squire to sing, "A Fine Old English Gentleman."
Jack's Return on Christmas Eve. Descriptive Selection. Edison Bell 20206, a reissue of 10435, originally c. Christmas 1908.
An lonely elderly couple pine for their son, a sailor, on Christmas Eve. In the village, arol singers are heard singing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when their son Jack, just home from sea, knocks at the door and there is a joyful reunion. The singers finish the celebration with the old Christmas hymn "Christians Awake.
An lonely elderly couple pine for their son, a sailor, on Christmas Eve. In the village, arol singers are heard singing "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" when their son Jack, just home from sea, knocks at the door and there is a joyful reunion. The singers finish the celebration with the old Christmas hymn "Christians Awake.
Christmas Eve in Old England. Descriptive selection by the Edison Carol Singers. Edison 13345. Released November 1905.
The bells ring in Christmas Morn and carol singers sing "God Rest Ye Merrie Gentlemen." Greetings are exchanged and a character relates an incident connected with the exceptionally deep snow. Midnight chimes and it is Christmas day which is greeted with the hymn, "Christians Awake, Salute the Happy Morn."
The bells ring in Christmas Morn and carol singers sing "God Rest Ye Merrie Gentlemen." Greetings are exchanged and a character relates an incident connected with the exceptionally deep snow. Midnight chimes and it is Christmas day which is greeted with the hymn, "Christians Awake, Salute the Happy Morn."
Wardle's Christmas Party, from Pickwick Papers. Descriptive selection by the Edison Carol Singers. Edison 13352. Released November 1905.
This is a potted adaptation of Wardle's Christmas party at Dingley Dell Manor. The novel was issued in instalments from 1836 by Charles Dickens. The scene opens with a song, "A Rare Old Plant is the Ivy Green," followed by toasting and speeches, finishing with a lively country dance and "Auld Lang Syne".
This is a potted adaptation of Wardle's Christmas party at Dingley Dell Manor. The novel was issued in instalments from 1836 by Charles Dickens. The scene opens with a song, "A Rare Old Plant is the Ivy Green," followed by toasting and speeches, finishing with a lively country dance and "Auld Lang Syne".
Christmas Eve in the Bush. Descriptive selection. Edison Bell 10448 c. Christmas 1908.
In the days of Empire, any number of men would migrate overseas to seek their fortune through fair ways and foul. In this case, we have a party of miners, out in the bush 18,000 miles from home, yet determined to mark the jolly day. Tea is made and someone sings, "Eileen Alannah," followed by, "Stop Your Tickling Jock." Finally, they sing part of "The Miners Dream of Home," which suggests effectively that this is what these men are doing so very far from home and hearth.
In the days of Empire, any number of men would migrate overseas to seek their fortune through fair ways and foul. In this case, we have a party of miners, out in the bush 18,000 miles from home, yet determined to mark the jolly day. Tea is made and someone sings, "Eileen Alannah," followed by, "Stop Your Tickling Jock." Finally, they sing part of "The Miners Dream of Home," which suggests effectively that this is what these men are doing so very far from home and hearth.
The Yule Log - "Victoria and Merry England" Ballet by Sir Arthur Sullivan Edison 14018. Released November 1910.
This ballet was part of the Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and was premiered on the 25th May, 1897 at the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square. It comes from Scene VI and represents Christmas revels in the time of Charles II. Traditionally, a huge log was dragged into the hearth for the very practical reason of keeping the home warm over the holiday period.
This ballet was part of the Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and was premiered on the 25th May, 1897 at the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square. It comes from Scene VI and represents Christmas revels in the time of Charles II. Traditionally, a huge log was dragged into the hearth for the very practical reason of keeping the home warm over the holiday period.
In Toyland - (Hermann Fink) played by the London Concert Orchestra Edison blue Amberol 23138. Released November 1913.
Inspired by Haydn's "Toy Symphony" Hermann Fink, conductor of the Palace Theatre Orchestra, London wrote this humorous and tuneful composition depicting "King Baby amongst his noisiest, and therefore most cherished musical toys." The Edison copy writer continues, "The London Concert Orchestra are to be complimented upon the way in which they have caught the atmosphere of baby's realm, the nursery."
Inspired by Haydn's "Toy Symphony" Hermann Fink, conductor of the Palace Theatre Orchestra, London wrote this humorous and tuneful composition depicting "King Baby amongst his noisiest, and therefore most cherished musical toys." The Edison copy writer continues, "The London Concert Orchestra are to be complimented upon the way in which they have caught the atmosphere of baby's realm, the nursery."
The Toy Maker's Workshop "Babes in Toyland" Operetta by Victor Herbert. Edison blue Amberol 3033. Released for December 1916.
Continuing with the theme of infants we present another orchestral number with noisy toys and childish cries. "Babes in Toyland" was first produced at the Chicago Grand Opera House in June 1903 and ran for 192 performances. In it, the librettist Glen MacDonough combined characters from Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes into a Christmas themed musical feast which inspired many other similar shows during the years that followed.
Continuing with the theme of infants we present another orchestral number with noisy toys and childish cries. "Babes in Toyland" was first produced at the Chicago Grand Opera House in June 1903 and ran for 192 performances. In it, the librettist Glen MacDonough combined characters from Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes into a Christmas themed musical feast which inspired many other similar shows during the years that followed.
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht. Music by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Franz Mohr. Edison blue Amberol 26067 from wax Amberol 15067.
Christmas 1911 This lovely carol was first sung in Austria on Christmas Eve, 1818.
Christmas 1911 This lovely carol was first sung in Austria on Christmas Eve, 1818.
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Original German.
Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Alles schläft; einsam wacht Nur das traute hochheilige Paar. Holder Knabe im lockigen Haar, Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh'! Schlaf in himmlischer Ruh'! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Hirten erst kundgemacht Durch der Engel Halleluja, Tönt es laut von fern und nah: Christ, der Retter ist da! Christ, der Retter ist da! Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht, Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund, Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'. Christ, in deiner Geburt! Christ, in deiner Geburt! |
Literal English.
Silent night, holy night, All's asleep; alone watches Just the close, holiest couple. Beloved boy with curly hair, Sleep in heavenly peace! Sleep in heavenly peace! Silent night, holy night, Shepherds first informed Through the Angels' Hallelujah, It resounds out loud from far and wide: Christ the Saviour is here! Christ the Saviour is here! Silent night, holy night, Son of God, oh how laughs Love out of Thy Godly mouth, For now strikes for us the saving hour. Christ in Thy birth! Christ in Thy birth! |
Silent Night (Franz Gruber). Elizabeth Spencer, John Young & Frederick Wheeler. Edison blue Amberol 1606 for November 1912.
The English version of this beautiful Austrian carol was supposedly translated in 1863 by John Freeman Young, an Episcopalian priest who translated many continental European hymns into English.
The English version of this beautiful Austrian carol was supposedly translated in 1863 by John Freeman Young, an Episcopalian priest who translated many continental European hymns into English.
Fröhliche Weihnachten - Kinder Chor Edison blue Amberol 26066 from wax Amberol 15128. Christmas 1911.
A most unusual and attractive record of traditional German carols and poems rendered by a children's choir.
A most unusual and attractive record of traditional German carols and poems rendered by a children's choir.
Ring Out Wild Bells. Music by Gounod, words by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Edison blue Amberol 3032 for December 1916.A catchy Christmas and end of year carol which urges the Wild Bells to chime for the purging of the world and humanity of all that is dark and unwholesome.
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
O Sing to God. Composed by Charles Gounod with words by the Revd B. Webb. Edison blue Amberol 3031 for December 1916.
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
Ye loving hearts your tribute pay
Your Lord is born this happy day
Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness
Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness
The Lord is born this happy day
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
Ye loving hearts your tribute pay
Your Lord is born this happy day
Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness
Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness
Your Lord is born this happy day
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
O Word of God for us incarnate
O Word of God for us incarnate
By faith we hear thine angels sing
Thy blessed angels sing their hymns
Thine angels sing of praise to thee their King
We join with them in adoration
We join with them in adoration
We pour to thee our supplication
That Thou would grant us, Lord, salvation.
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
Ye loving hearts your tribute pay
Your Lord is born this happy day
Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness
Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness
The Lord is born this happy day
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
Ye loving hearts your tribute pay
Your Lord is born this happy day
Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness
Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness
Your Lord is born this happy day
O sing to God your hymns of gladness
O Word of God for us incarnate
O Word of God for us incarnate
By faith we hear thine angels sing
Thy blessed angels sing their hymns
Thine angels sing of praise to thee their King
We join with them in adoration
We join with them in adoration
We pour to thee our supplication
That Thou would grant us, Lord, salvation.
God Rest You, Merrie Gentlemen. a traditional carol sung by the Meister Glee Singers. Edison Bell 10428 . c. Christmas 1908.The carol dates as far back as the 1760s, if not before, and was a great favourite throughout the 19th century and into the 20th. In this case it is sung by the Meister Glee Singers who were an organisation of high reputation singing at major concerts including being summoned to sing before Queen Victoria.
God rest you merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
God rest you merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Auld Lang Syne. Words by Robert Burns from antique sources set to an old Scottish dance tune. Sung by Thomas Reid. Edison Bell 5335, recorded 28th April 1904.
This famous song is sung at the Scottish celebration of Hogmanay, or the New Year, and has been adopted by English speakers the world over and beyond as a song of friendship and parting. Most of us are incapable of progressing beyond the first verse, so here are three of the five verses as sung by Thomas Reid.
This famous song is sung at the Scottish celebration of Hogmanay, or the New Year, and has been adopted by English speakers the world over and beyond as a song of friendship and parting. Most of us are incapable of progressing beyond the first verse, so here are three of the five verses as sung by Thomas Reid.
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Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought tae mind ? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days of 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. We twa hae rin about the braes, and pou'd the gowans fine ; But we've wander'd mony a weary fit, sin auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, etc. And there's a hand, my trusty friend ! and gie's a hand o' thine ! And we'll tak a right guid willy waught, for the days of auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, etc. |
dear: Other texts have "jo" for times long gone by. Literally: for old long since. We two have run about the hills (literally: brows) pou'd = pulled gowans = daisies mony a weary fit = many a weary foot. sin = since. friend: other texts have "fiere" (Old English "gefera = companion. gie = give. guid willie waucht = good will draught |