A few years ago (on this blog’s first New Year’s Eve) I wrote a blog post entitled A Canoeist’s Auld Lang Syne, after a post was written on the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association’s forum. In it was cited the famous old New Year’s standard Auld Lang Syne, quoting the fourth stanza that most may not know but which states:
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
I felt that obviously this has some ties to canoeing and to paddling (it does say “we paddled” after all….even I was quick enough to see that LOL LOL). But after rereading the post….and rereading the version of Auld Lang Syne quoted, I thought it might be appropriate to reword this verse. So you’ll excuse me repeating my attempt here (and if it takes away from the original) but I felt it was fitting, especially as a wish for all to have the very best of a new paddling year. Hope you enjoy again:
Should old wood canoes be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old paddling pals be forgot,
and memories of the past year’s canoe trips left behind?
and never brought to mind?
Should old paddling pals be forgot,
and memories of the past year’s canoe trips left behind?
CHORUS:
For canoes of wood and places still wild,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll raise our paddles yet,
for auld lang syne.
For canoes of wood and places still wild,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll raise our paddles yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll restore that favourite old boat!
and surely at the very least I’ll recanvas mine!
And soon we’ll take to the waters again, not much longer yet,
for auld lang syne.
and surely at the very least I’ll recanvas mine!
And soon we’ll take to the waters again, not much longer yet,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have carried across each and every portage,
and watched the skies for weather’s sign;
And we’ve paddled many a weary mile,
since auld lang syne.
and watched the skies for weather’s sign;
And we’ve paddled many a weary mile,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the middle of the lake,
from morning sun till it’s time to dine;
With nothing between us but smooth waters, no waves or wind
since auld lang syne.
from morning sun till it’s time to dine;
With nothing between us but smooth waters, no waves or wind
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And so I’ve traveled in my old canoe, my trusty friend!
And with paddle in hand, I’ve dipped the blade below the waterline!
Next year we’ll take another good long trip, venturing again into wilderness
as we have since auld lang syne.
And with paddle in hand, I’ve dipped the blade below the waterline!
Next year we’ll take another good long trip, venturing again into wilderness
as we have since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
So let me raise a paddle yet,
And wish all nothing but good cheer
May your canoeing be great in 2014
And wish all nothing but good cheer
May your canoeing be great in 2014
And have a Happy New Year….or rather a Happy CANOE Year!!!!
Paddles up until later then….and have a very Happy CANOE Year….and may all your hopes for canoeing for the coming year come to be….
