Translator Of Auld Lang Syne, The World’s Farewell Song
17 December, 2017
KHARTOUM (Sudanow) - In college, school and military academies graduations and in many farewell parties people always chant a single song they never knew where it had originated. Its first line could read: We’ll never forget the days gone, we will forget its memory not!
That is what has come to be widely known as the ‘Farewell Anthem’, or the “Farewell Song.”
This song was first written in Scottish by Scottish Poet Robert Burns towards the end of the 18th Century under the title ”Auld Lang Syne” and, as years passed, it was translated into many of the World languages and continues to be performed by the same melody everywhere.
In Sudan it was translated into Arabic by prominent educator and poet, the late Ahmad Mohamed Sa’ad, and is now repeated in graduation ceremonies and farewell parties everywhere in the Arab World, surely with the same Scottish melody!
Auld Lang Syne is one of Burns most popular songs, though he had composed many other masterpieces. It is an expression of friendship and faithfulness. The melody is taken from the Scottish folklore.
Sa’ad had written the translation when he was serving as cultural attaché in the Embassy of Sudan in London. Before that Sa’ad was Principal of the prestigious Bakht Erruda Teachers Training College. In addition, Sa’ad was an environment campaigner. He had a published book entitled Nar Tuht al-Ramad (Fire Under the Ashes).
He died in October 2008.
English Version
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 dear,
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.
For auld, &c.
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.
We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
For auld, &c.
And there's a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right gude-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.
For auld,&c
E N D
YH/AS
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