I have wondered at these lyrics, lifted from the Robert Byrnes poem for the song (don't feel bad for Robert; he lifted most of the lyrics from a song by James Watson), then bastardized into English from the old Ayreshire Scots dialect (Byrnes's native tongue). I do this for about 20 minutes a year, at the stroke of Midnight and for several minutes afterward, whether drunk or sober (usually sober or close to it these days). I wonder if anyone in the room knows what they are singing. I've even gone as far as asking several people at whatever party I was attending. Heads up: it's kind of a mood killer if you aren't careful, and you wanna cut it out after maybe the 3rd person. Nobody likes a smartass.
Generally, people think it's a way to "kiss of" the past"; to call it "water under the bridge" and move on to the New Year with a clean slate. In actuality, it's almost the opposite: It actually questions the idea of forgetting "the good old days" of a fondly remembered relationship between friends (or lovers) that has since become distant. The song calls for a toast "for old times' sake." It is a call for fond remembrance of the good and forbearance of the rest, at least for a night. It isn't about forgetting the bad as much as it is taking a moment (a toast and drink; a song sung together) to remember and focus on the good between friends and family.
In the context of my "angry" blog? Let's just say that everything that's happened over the last, say, 400 years shouldn't be forgotten, but neither should the good: the abolitionists who fought long and hard for justice; those who escaped slavery to freedom, only to go back to rescue others. The beautiful food, music, art, poetry, prose, dance, style, and unique group of people this crucible of cruelty produced, and their rich heritage bestowed upon this country.
This is a time to reflect and focus on the good. Just think of the awakening minds and opening eyes to the systematic, systemic, implicit racism in the DNA of American institutions and policies, and the willingness to collectively undergo gene therapy to cleanse its implicit influences from our individual and collective psyches. This is a beautiful thing! And all triggered by the brutal murder of a few unarmed black people. A hard and harsh means of enlightenment and right action? Yes. That is why we have to make it count.
Happy New Year. Let's make a change. Don't forget. Focus on the good so far and the good yet to be done. For auld lang syne. And for the sakes of all of us.
Happy New Year Al! It was hard to remain optimistic whilst so angry last year. Especially through the holidays when all that sentimentality comes to the fore (and my family IS from Ayrshire, so there's that). But although still frightened for all of us, and still very angry, the fight in me feels further fueled by exactly the hope and optimism my mushy side exposes.