Sidedoor
Auld Lang What?
Dec 20, 2023
Curator of folklife and popular culture at the Smithsonian, James Deutsch, explores the origins and significance of the song 'Auld Lang Syne' as a New Year's tradition. The podcast discusses the Scottish roots of the song, the influence of Charlie Chaplin's film 'The Gold Rush', and the emotions associated with reflecting on the past year and looking ahead to the new year.
21:18
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Quick takeaways
- The song 'Old Lang Syne' originated in Scotland and was popularized in the US by Guy Lombardo and Charlie Chaplin's film 'The Gold Rush'.
- 'Old Lang Syne' evokes a sense of nostalgia and brings people together by creating a shared experience, regardless of whether they know the words or each other.
Deep dives
The origins of 'Old Lang Syne' and its association with New Year's Eve
The podcast explores the origins and meaning of the song 'Old Lang Syne' and its connection to New Year's Eve celebrations. The song originated in Scotland and was written by Robert Burns in 1788 as an effort to preserve Scottish traditions. It became popular in the US and was often sung at New Year's Eve parties, but it wasn't synonymous with the dropping of the ball in Times Square. The podcast credits Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo for popularizing the song in the US, as his band played it at the Roosevelt Grill in Manhattan starting in 1929. Another theory suggests that Charlie Chaplin's 1925 film 'The Gold Rush' contributed to the song's popularity by featuring a memorable New Year's Eve scene accompanied by the song.
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