Dan Fogelberg - Same Auld Lang Syne (lyrics)

Released as a single in 1980 and also included as the 2nd track from "The Innocent Age" (1981). Not long after this song came out, the bass player in my first band asked me if I had heard it. I replied that I had, what of it? "No," he said, "have your REALLY heard it? Because it'll make you cry." Well, he was right. The story of a chance encounter with a former lover is bittersweet and one that probably everyone can relate to in one form or another. At the time I had not listened carefully to the lyrics and didn't realize the saxophone at the end was playing a jazzy version of Auld Lang Syne. But to this day I've never heard a more expressive sax solo.

Here's to old love, my friends...and a new year!

~thatMimosaGrove

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According to Fogelberg, the song is based on a real encounter that occurred when he went home to Peoria, Illinois for Christmas in 1975 or '76. The song peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in 1981 and is now frequently played during the holiday season and alongside traditional Christmas songs.

There were three toasts (two people, six cans of beer) – two toasts to 'innocence and now', and a third toast to 'innocence and time'. After a third toast, the conversation runs its course. They exchange their goodbyes and the woman kisses him before he gets out of the car. As she drives away, the narrator contemplates the good times they'd had long ago, hence the meaning and reference to the song's title: Old Lang Syne. At the song's most bittersweet moment, the narrator experiences yet another "old lang syne," as he is reunited with "that old familiar pain" from their break-up at an earlier time in their lives. The snow that surrounds him then turns to rain, signifying a happy time turned quite melancholy.

The melody is based on the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky and ends with a soprano saxophone solo by Michael Brecker based on the melody from the original "Auld Lang Syne".

After Fogelberg's death from prostate cancer in 2007, the woman about whom he wrote the song came forward with her story. Her name is Jill Greulich, and she confirmed the encounter occurred in 1975.

~Wikipedia

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Dan Fogelberg: Piano, bass, electric piano, lead and background vocals
Russ Kunkel: Drums
Michael Brecker: Soprano saxophone

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[janedruda]

Thanks so much for posting this and the link - loved this song from hearing it for the first time on the radio years ago.... takes me back to a happy time. I get lost in the lyrics and after reading the link you have attached its exactly as i imagined.... it's a real tearjerker and definitely has a Christmas feel to it... makes me think about my schooldays :-)

[joetruth]

This song and Gordon Lightfoot’s If You Could Read My Mind are timeless classics of my youth and my first love.

[mespo]

"She said she'd married her an architect
Who kept her warm and safe and dry
She would've liked to say she loved the man
But she didn't like to lie

I said the years had been a friend to her
And that her eyes were still as blue
But in those eyes, I wasn't sure if I
Saw doubt or gratitude"

What great lyrics! Haunting since 1980. Where has all the real music gone?

[billyrayvalentine]

Many of us kids used to listen to this song on the radio and knew it was a masterpiece. Now as we are old we realize how precious this song is and how time has made it so...

[christaylor]

Makes you think what's it all for? Snow turned into rain to hide the tears of this thing we dont understand... life love longing emptiness!? The 1980s seem like a different world. I wish I still felt that way now. 40 plus years later😥Everything changing so fast. Wish it could slow down like the 70s and 80s. Music was magical then❄🌨❄🌧💧💧💧😭🥺

[MrMysticSeer]

I haven't cried for years. I just randomly happened to get to this song in YouTube. I found myself bawling my eyes out. I'm 62 and those high school, first love memories just worked their way to the surface. What an amazing song.

[robbyterrill]

This takes me back to Dec 5 1984..My recruiter picked me up shipping out to Parris Island Marine bootcamp..I looked back and my Gf was crying..I think of you Fawn often during this time of year...Hope all is well in ur life..

[sassafrass]

Merry Christmas! 3rd year in a row listening to this song around Christmas time. See you next year.

[coryanne]

I met the love of my life 47 years ago. I was young and was forced to end it. I have never truly gotten over him. Always wondered what a life with him would have been like.

[danielnazario]

I can't get enough of this song. Takes me back in time when I was in love, real love. The one I let get away from me. Was the lonliest Christmas I ever spent. Don't ever let the one that you love go. It will hurt like hell. Trust me I know.

[jamesmorrison]

Just for a minute I was back in school.What a great line, really gets me

[anthonydavis]

This song has always reminded me of a young girl I lost when I was 20 I still think of her to this day. I am 56 yrs old and I have been married two times and I still have love for the girl I lost years ago we ran back into each other when I was 43 yrs old and I still had that same love for her she was still so pretty long blonde hair and a figure so fine but we tried to make a second go of it but I was married and I cut our ties I still talk to her she was my first true love I will never forget her I still think of her time to time but I promised my wife my hand forever and that's what I ment so I can never be with my first love again I miss her so much wish things were diffrent I still love that girl so much it hurts my soul my Hart has been broken for almost 40 years I will always love the girl who is a grown women now but still my first true love I love you Leslie Ann always and for ever thank you for being part of my life I have a memory I can keep forever of you and me thank you Tony d.

[brianhatcher]

It’s weird, I can totally relate to this song, yet I also wish that in some small way I can experience something like what the singer experienced. No matter how bittersweet it is, you know Mr. Fogelberg was glad to have reconnected with an old flame and share something special with her, even if it was temporary.😢

[Vickiify]

I think anyone that has found the love of their lost relate. It's been 45 years ago and I still

[kevinmachate]

One of the best songs (Not just Story songs) ever. Timeless,

[renag]

Classic, Still gets me Every.... Single.... Time.... What I wouldn’t give for one more time. Heartbreaking 🌹🌹🌹

[Jacques_S]

This is such a beautiful song on so many levels. It speaks to young lost love that lingers with you forever, even after you become an adult. It also subtly accentuates the fact that the holiday season, although happy for so many people can be a very difficult and lonely time for those who are alone or searching for something or someone. It is definitely a tear jerker. Wonderfully written and performed. I miss Dan Fogelberg, a true artist.

[lynnsimpson]

I've said it for years and years. Dan Folgerberg is the best, pure songwriter, musician and artist during my lifetime. So thankful I can still listen to his music. The man was so gifted in his profession. I truly miss Dan Folgerberg.

[mike]

I'm 74, and this song always stirs up emotions for me, of a time in my early 20's in an ended relationship, walking down the street on a cold Christmas eve with snow falling. A true masterpiece..

[woodrowmagnus]

WOW! Nothing like a great love song to be a tear jerker. Can't believe that the song is over 40 years old. Wonder how Jill feels every time she hears it? Brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it. I'm sure that there are many people out there that can associate with it. This song, "Without You" by Harry Nilson, written by Badfinger, "Baby Blue" by Badfinger, and "If I Fell" by the Beatles all fall into the realm of great tear jerker love songs. Thank you lads, all of you for the heart felt emotions. Many of us share them with you...I'll look for you in the grocery store