An Auld Pet Peeve

[bealdordash]

It's December 31st.  In just hours, 2008 will pant out its last breath, simultaneously breathing new life into 2009.  All the news broadcasts and morning shows are reporting on the festivities about to begin.  This annual ritual inevitably includes the broadcasting of several and various people attempting to sing "Auld Lang Syne."  Attempting.  This song must surely be the most unknown of all well-known songs.  Here in the U.S., we've had decades of opportunity to learn the lyrics since Guy Lombardo started using the song on his New Year's Eve broadcasts, especially given most people only ever sing the first verse and chorus, anyhow.  Learn the words, folks!  (Only half) tongue-in-cheek rant now over.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o' 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 ye'll be your pint-stowp!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindess yet,
For auld lang syne.

Chorus

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot,
Sin auld lang syne.

Chorus

We twa hae paidl'd i' the burn,
Frae morning sun till 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 gude-willy waught,
For auld lang syne.

So, just the first verse and the chorus... pretty please.  Eight simple lines.

N.B. - Most Americans will sing the last line of the first verse as, "And days OF auld lang syne," and the first line of the chorus as, "For auld lang syne, my DEAR."  These changes are acceptable to my curmudgeon's ear.  Welcome, even, compared to some of the things I hear sung, year after year.... after year.

Just eight simple lines.