Maybe we don't like to admit it out loud, but I bet most moms and dads out there love it when our kids tell us they think we are "cool." So, when I asked my son if he wanted to help me wish my Facebook followers a Happy New Year by playing a very slow, very pensive, (very beautiful) version of Auld Lang Syne, I was pretty certain this wasn't going to be one of my "cool mom" days.  

But my 15 year old son said, "sure, mom. Let's make a video. I bet we'll get 10,000 views." 

Instead of saying "are you totally crazy! We will never get that many views!!!” I ran with his enthusiasm and we got out our fiddles and played the original melody to Auld Lang Syne. It is my understanding that Scottish poet Robert Burns chose this traditional melody to reflect the sentiment and nostalgia of his poem about the "days gone by." At some point in history the melody was "updated" to the livelier version we know today, which was most likely never heard by Burns. 

I was introduced to this melody 20 years ago by one of my favorite Cape Breton bands, The Barra MacNeils. I was immediately smitten. Year after year, I have found myself sitting quietly at my piano doing my best to sing (and think about) the lyrics with the support of my own penciled in "translations." 

LYRICS

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne? (times gone by)

For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne, We'll tak a cup o kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

And surley you'll be (pay for) your pint stowp (pint), And surley I'll be (pay for) mine, And we'll take a cup o kindness yet, For auld lang syne!

We twa (two) hae (have) run about the braes (hills), and pou'd (pulled) the gowans (daisies) fine, And we've wander'd monie (many) a weary fit (foot), Sin auld auld lang syne. 

We twa (two) hae (have) paidl'd (paddled) in the burn (stream), Frae morning sun (noon) till dine (dinner), But the seas between us braid (broad) hae roar'd, Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty fiere (friend), And gie's a hand o thine, And we'll tak a righ guild-willie waught (goodwill drink), For auld lang syne

So, on the last day of 2017, in our small Northern New York village, my youngest son and I sat in front of our warm wood stove while my eldest son filmed our simple message. Friend upon friend shared our video on Facebook and we watched the number climb to.....10K views and counting!!! ... and I was able to start the New Year as The Coolest Mom Ever. Thanks everyone. Happy New Year. 

#CoolMom  #MikeDrop   #OMGDontUseHashtagsMom