Let’s Take a Cup o’ Kindness Yet

My year-end wishes for all—and some beautiful music

No book recommendations this time—and no reflections on historical fiction’s place in our time. I’ll be back in January with posts on some riveting historical novels based on the lives of Claude Monet, Angelica Kaufmann, Oscar Wilde, and Somerset Maugham. I’m eager to tell you about them.

But as the year ends, and as people worldwide pause for the holidays, let me send you my good wishes for 2025. I hope you find peace, joy, love, and friendship—and time to read good books.

Sounds of the Holidays

Earlier this month, I attended a concert by Amor Artis, a superb chamber choir led by conductor Ryan James Brandau. The event took place in the majestic Old Basilica of St. Patrick’s in Soho. The program included sumptuous arrangements of my favorite Christmas carols, along with a few that were new to me. One selection was Auld Land Syne, and I was reminded once again of what a gently humane and beautiful song it is.

Amor Artis at the Old Basilica of St. Patricks in Soho

Old Music and a Poet’s Words

Scotland’s official website summarizes Auld Lang Syne’s history: “In 1788 Robert Burns sent the poem . . . to the Scots Musical Museum, indicating that it was an ancient song but that he'd been the first to record it on paper.” By this time, Burns was already famous. He published his first work, Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, in 1786. Its “success was immediate and overwhelming.”

Burns is Scotland’s national poet. This portrait, based on a late 19th century gravure by Alexander Nasmyth, is in London’s National Portrait Gallery.

The phrase “auld lang syne” has been translated as “for old times’ sake,” “in days gone by,” or “for long, long ago.” Here is some of what Burns wrote:

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 jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne,

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak a right guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.

Chorus

A stature of Robert Burns sits in New York’s Central Park.

Auld Lang Syne is often sung with modernized verses such as these:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And long, long ago.

Chorus

And for long, long ago, my dear
For long, long ago,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago

And there's a hand, my trusty friend!
And give us a hand of yours!
And we'll take a deep draught of good-will
For long, long ago.

Chorus

A Song Beloved around the Globe

You’re likely to hear these words on New Year’s Eve as the clock strikes twelve. Celebrated performers such as Bing Crosby, Rod Stewart, and Mariah Carey have sung them. Their interpretations range from upbeat to bittersweet. Today, the internet offers a wondrous collection of videos by lesser known but gloriously gifted singers. Many will leave you teary-eyed.

I had planned to choose a single video to share with you, but making the decision was tougher than I expected. Here are some of the contenders. I suggest you do some clicking because all of them explore the magic of this old, old Scottish song.

• Singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean sings the traditional Scottish verses. His solo and simple acoustic guitar accompaniment are perfect in their simplicity—moving and heartfelt.

• Japanese singer and composer ShayleeMary shares a collage of family photos as she sings. Her voice is pure and haunting, and you can sense her love of the people in the pictures.

• The a capella group, Pentatonix, offers a smooth, elegant rendition for five voices. The singers and their harmonies are expressive and irresistible.

• I’m a great fan of countertenors, and Vinny Marchi sings Auld Lang Syne in four-part harmony, covering all the parts himself. Just wow!

• Thailand’s Ferochi Philharmonic Symphony and South Korea’s Gracias Choir offer superb choral performances. Auld Lang Syne seems to enchant audiences everywhere. Both videos showcase astonishing young tenors (and A-plus oboists). Their singing will lift your spirits.

• Or you may prefer the clear, bell-like voices of The Choral Scholars of University College, Dublin. They might be angels visiting on Earth.

I Finally Make a Choice

After considerable deliberation and wavering, I leave you with one video that has particular meaning for me. You may have a different favorite, and if you do, please tell us in the comments. I’d love to know which version speaks to you and why. Maybe it’s one that’s not on my list.

In my pick, three incredibly gifted Canadian singers, The Tenors, take a road trip through Newfoundland. They are friends traveling together. They laugh and joke and drop into a pub. The scenery is breathtaking as they climb hills and rocks to savor the views. Traveling with friends has been a joyous part of my own life, and this video reminded me of the many good times I’ve shared with them. I hope you like it too.

So as we leave 2024, let’s all take a cup o’ kindness with those with we love. Let’s remember those we’ve lost. Let’s cherish our good fortune and remember those facing illness and heartbreak and all those living in troubled, dangerous places.

May 2025 bring us closer to a peaceful, kinder, and fairer world.