I have heard the song, “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday” by Wizzard every December ever since I can remember. It is part of my Christmas as much as mulled wine and Christmas pudding and gets me in the mood for festivities. I can’t imagine Christmas time without this song. For New Year though, there is only one song for me that is traditional and nostalgic.
If you live in Japan and have been in a shop or any place that closes, you probably know the melody of the New Year song I’m referring to. It is usually played minutes before a place closes and gently tells people, finish what you are doing and leave, we want to close! The song’s name? Auld Lang Syne. In Japan, the title of the song to this melody is Hotaru no Hikari where the lyrics are completely different.
Auld Lang Syne. Old Long Since.
Through cultural differences and Western influence, I find many things in Japan quirky; some good, some bad, and some odd. When I hear the melody for Auld Lang Syne I don’t hear Hotaru no Hikari, I hear a Scots folk song that is a New Year’s Eve/Day anthem. I find this quirky in every way. So what does it mean?
The folk song is in Scots-language, reading through the lyrics, it is hard to understand them as an English speaker. Fortunately, they have been translated into English. I won’t write them here as they are easy to find online.
In a nutshell, the song is about two long-standing friends, having a drink together, reminiscing about good times that have passed. And more drinking. It is about reflecting on previous years. Now that is done, look forward and start the new beginning.
“We are now closing, 2021.”
So, anytime I’m in an establishment near closing time, I hear my end of year anthem, reflecting on friends, family, and then buy my items as the place is closing soon. Shopping done, time to look to the future and where I parked my car.
Here’s looking forward to 2022.
【あなたの心が伝わるあなただけの英語】
英語でのコミュニケーションを、あなたらしい英語で
。一人一人のレベル、能力、興味に合った教材や方法での英語レッスンプログラムを
オンラインで学べます。
”あなたの英語”でコミュニケートしたい方は、まずは無料カウンセリングをご予約ください。
