What was the name of that cool-sounding tune that everybody seems to be having a good time singing at the end of the movie It's A Wonderful Life? Oh, it's "Auld Lang Syne." What's that? It sounds like an old woman's name. Is it a tribute to an old woman? That's what I thought as a kid.
Rather, it turns out that "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem, written in 1788 and put to a traditional folk tune, that bids farewell to a passing year or time period. It's been sung, obviously, during New Year's Eve season, but also during graduation ceremonies and funerals.
Occasionally, I've wanted to use the song (or at least the tune) in church as we approach a new year. Thus, I've found, not one, but two groups that have put new lyrics to "Auld Lang Syne" and would work very well for a church service near or on New Year's Eve:
"All Glory Be To Christ" by King's Kaleidoscope.
"For All That You Have Done" by Rend Collective.