In praise of tonight’s “auld lang syne”

I love columns like Peggy Noonan's today on the beloved song most of the Western world will be singing tonight at the stroke of midnight. Or, if you're like me, at the stroke of 9 p.m. (hey, midnight East Coast Time is good enough for me. Heck in 10 years I might be celebrating on London time.)

    Anyway, should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

    Of course not.

    I won't forget mine. And our community won't forget former Gov. Kenny Guinn, or Las Vegas businessman Maddy Graves, who went to the great adventure before us in 2010. A few of my friends, their names not widely known in the community, also embarked upon that journey. I shall remember each and every one. I also look forward to my new acquaintances of 2011, as well.

    And I'll bet you do too. Kiss someone you love tonight and remember Robert Burns' original verse:

    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 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’ kindness 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 fit,
    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.

        CHORUS