How is this for a Flashback Friday? Happy 2016, my friends. If you sang this song just after midnight last night, my guess is that you didn’t sing all the original words (though if you did, I want to know–that’s fantastic!), nor did you sing them to the original tune.
On this lazy first day of 2016, in which I rest with coffee, leftovers, notebooks, and music, I want to share this gorgeous version, sung by Paolo Nutini. I love the harmony, and the use of period instruments. I’m not sure if the video was made to look old or if it was just poor picture quality, but Nutini is rather a new-ish voice, born about the time I graduated high school.
By all accounts this is the original tune that Robert Burns used when he turned this old poem into the beautiful song lyrics we sing each year. Scottland.org has a nice write-up including the original words, and Grammarly features a pretty fair modern translation.
It’s been a hard year, and a good one both, each for many a reason. But here’s to making 2016 a year of peace, of joy, and of achieving our dreams. Let’s get to work, shall we?
David J. Bauman 
Very interesting information…Have a wonderful new year!
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You too, Charles!
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Best wishes for 2016….never here from you these days.
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Sorry, I’ve been such a hermit lately. Happy New Year to you, dear friend.
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Reblogged this on It Is What It Is and commented:
Very interesting!!
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Thank you kindly, Dr. Rex!
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You are most welcome!!
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Reblogged this on Vector Charley and commented:
My inner Scot says: Reblog this, laddie!
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And I am grateful for that, Charley. May 2016 be as lovely as you have been.
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Yes, ready to get to work on 2016 too. Happy New Year!
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My favorite thing is the repeated “my jo.” It’s a word I know from Scrabble, but it’s so much better than “dear” here. Happy 2016, dear friend.
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Yes, I agree. If I were to do some sort of hybrid translation, “my jo” is part of what I would keep. I like that–closer to my mate (in the friend sense) and it just has that feel of endearment. I am not sure I would change gowans to daisies though, but for the audience’s sake I might say, “plucked the wild flow’rs fine.” 🙂 In any case, I do adore this version.
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