Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish phrase meaning “old long since” or “for old times sake”. The lyrics to the song were written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. He claimed to have heard the words from the singing of an old man and merely transcribed it. It goes like this:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld 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.
We two have run about the hills,
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 me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
Chorus
In the United States, we typically sing the first verse and a chorus at midnight – if we sing it at all – as we ring in the New Year.
New Year’s Eve has traditionally been a time of new beginnings. That’s when people resolve to improve themselves, turn over a new leaf and do better in the coming year. People mean well but 23% quit their resolutions after the first week. The second Friday in January is known as “Quitters Day” because that’s when lots of people give up on their resolutions. About 43% of Americans will give up on their resolution by the end of January and by the second week of February, 80% of people have abandoned their New Year’s Resolutions.
I’ve resolved to slow down in 2025. I’m 65 years old and ready for a more leisurely, quieter life. When all of the Democratic candidates and incumbent Representative Ben Krohmer dropped out of the District 20 legislative races in August, I thought about throwing my hat in the ring again, (I had been a State Legislator from 1993-2004), but that didn’t fit in with the plan for a simpler, more relaxed existence so I didn’t choose to become a candidate.
I’ve enjoyed my time at the Mitchell Radio group but since stepping into the role of News Director in early April 2024, there have been many a 12 to 14 hour day that began with me rising at 3am. I’m just not interested in doing that anymore, so I’m leaving the Mitchell Radio Group – starting January 1st – and going to Dakota Wesleyan to teach US History.
I was asked to continue writing Mel’s Musings, but I’m not willing to do that either. I began writing Mel’s Musings for The Daily Republic nearly six years ago. When the Mitchell Radio Group started the website Mitchell Now, my general manager at the time – Stephanie Heide – said I could continue to write for The Daily Republic and quit my radio job. The Daily Republic was not paying me for the columns but was limiting my words and editing me to death. My other choice was to keep my radio job and be paid for writing for Mitchell Now, with no word limit and relatively few other restrictions. So, I chose to stay employed on the radio and to be remunerated for my writing efforts. Many of you have had nice things to say about my musings over the years and I have valued all of your observations, both positive and negative.
In my Mel’s Musings, I’ve tried to be topical, relevant, informative and occasionally entertaining. This is my last column. That’s my New Year’s Resolution. We’ll see if I’ll be one of the many who resolve and then eventually say, “Forget It!” and go back to their old ways or if I will be one of the very few who follow through. In any event, I’ve appreciated your readership, comments and criticisms over the years.
Thank you and goodbye.