Ah, “Auld Lang Syne.” You don’t really know the words beyond the first eight lines, and those are so butchered by revelers at midnight that the song loses all of its beauty — but it’s a tradition, and you have to hear it at the end of every year. But whose version? We all know what it sounds like at the end of It’s a Wonderful Life, but here are some versions you might not be as aware of.
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys bring their dreamy harmonies to the song (and even give a personal happy-holidays message at the end).
The Muppets
By now, it should be glaringly obvious that I if I can somehow slip a video of the Muppets into this blog, I will. Even though they’re singing with chickens, this version is surprisingly straightforward.
Jimi Hendrix
Since who knows the words anyway?
Keyboard Cat
The Internet was invented as a delivery system for cat videos, and all your favorite memes want to wish you a happy new year.
Andrew Bird
So the cool indie-rock kids don’t complain.
And, most importantly…
There’s nothing special about this arrangement, but it’s a karaoke version with the words, so your party guests won’t call it “Old” Lang Syne.
And honorable mention goes to…
Bobby Darin, whose Christmas “Auld Lang Syne” completely misses the point. (Wrong holiday, Bobby!)
No matter which “Auld Lang Syne” is your favorite, we hope you have a happy new year!