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Burns Night is when Scotland’s most important bard, Robert Burns (1759-1796), is celebrated, usually with the recitation of Burns’ poems, the eating of haggis, and the drinking of whiskey. It occurs on January 25, Burns’ birthday.
Poet Jeff Eardley has composed a rendition of the song “Auld Lang Syne,” which was based on a Burns’ poem (itself based on another Scottish folk song):
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Jeff Eardley lives in the heart of England near to the Peak District National Park and is a local musician playing guitar, mandolin and piano steeped in the music of America, including the likes of Ry Cooder, Paul Simon, and particularly Hank Williams.
A lovely rendition Jeff, sweet and tender. Thank you, perfect.
Thanks James, you’re very kind.
Thank you, Jeff.. this is just lovely!!
Thanks Peg, best wishes.
I love this, Jeff. You’ve given us a very special gift.
Thank you Brian, hope you had a good Burns night.
Jeff, this is very beautiful indeed – a perfect gift that’s arrived just in time for Burns Night celebrations. You are a man of many talents. Thank you for sharing this one. Have fun tonight!!
Susan, you are so kind. Hope you had some fun tonight. Hoots Mon!!!
I enjoyed this beautiful guitar-playing very much Jeff. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks Norma from one of your biggest fans over here.
Thanks Norma from one of your biggest fans. Best wishes.
Jeff, your rendition is splendid. It suits not only the well-known first stanza and chorus, but helps to show how the poem following should be sung. Burns did not claim authorship of “Auld Lang Syne” but said he only found it. Today most scholars believe he wrote the additional four stanzas.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld 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.
[The above chorus is sung after each stanza.]
And surely you’ll be your pint stowp,
And surely I’ll be mine,
And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou’d the gowans fine,
But we’ve wandered mony a weary fit,
Sin’ auld lang syne.
We twa had paidl’d in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne.
And there’s a hand, my trusty fere,
And gi’e ‘s a hand of thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught
For auld lang syne.
Margaret, I have just returned from performing at a local Burns night here in Staffordshire and thank you for the version of this great song that few folk know beyond the first stanza and chorus.
My version is slightly Anglicised but the sentiment is the same…
We two have rambled on the hills
And pulled the daisies fine
We’ve rambled many’s the weary foot
Since the days of Auld Lang Syne.
And we have paddled in the stream
From morning sun till dine
But seas between us broad have roared
Since the days of Auld Lang Syne
Now surely you’ll buy your pint pot
And surely I’ll buy mine
We’ll take a deep draught of goodwill
For the days of Auld Lang Syne
So take my hand my trusty friend
And give me a hand of thine
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For the days of Auld Lang Syne
Your comments are always appreciated and none more so than tonight. Best wishes.
Very nice, Jeff. I wish I hadn’t given up on the mandolin and guitar so early, and I deeply regret never having taught myself how to cross-pick on the mandolin in the style of Jesse McReynolds.
CB, the mandolin played well is one of life’s treasures. On the theory that it is never too late to do anything, can I recommend the, “Ultimate Mandolin Songbook” by Janet Davis. Some years ago, after seeing the amazing “Bonnie and Clyde” movie, I had aspirations to be a bluegrass banjo player, which is the finest way to lose all your friends. I was the butt of many jokes, the best of which was…A banjo player turns up at a music session, only to realise that he has left his banjo on the front seat of his car in the parking lot. He rushes outside and notices, from a distance, the shattered windscreen and the broken glass on the sidewalk. With horror, he looks into his car, only to find… two banjos. I am off to have a listen to Jesse McReynods. Thanks for your comment.
Jeff,,, I loved your Anglicized version of Auld Lang L Syne. Simply exquisite, also, is your musical ability with the mandolin.
It was a history lesson to boot, as I was not familiar with Burns Night.
My great appreciation, Patricia
Thanks Patricia. What a lovely comment. Best wishes to you.