Oops. I mean, Hoopy Near Yar!

No, I'm not drunk, it's been a rough week in the Salt Mines.  Which may explain why, when I saw all the fireworks as I left work at midnight-ish, my first thought was "Independence Day, already?"

Anyway.  As the cats cower under the furniture, I am at a loss as to why I didn't think to set this to auto-post at Midnight.  Preferably Midnight Zulu/GMT/UCT.  Oh, well.



ISTR that, in the album liner notes, whichever one of the Tannahill Weavers that was writing--Dougie McLean?--commented that one rarely hears more than the first verse.  The rest of it is a little sad, so the tone of the Tannie's version may be appropriate.  Here are the "English" lyrics, per Wikipedia:

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

CHORUS:

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

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine^† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

† Dine:  Colloquial, "Dinner time."

Anyway, here's hoping that 2012 will be a better one.  Shouldn't be hard, but I suspect we'll be saying it is, in retrospect...