Same Auld Lang Syne

Saw a post by a friend that I didn't realize was a true story. I wanted to share it.

On Christmas Eve in 1975, singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg ran into an old high school girlfriend; a chance encounter that would lead to one of his most endearing and popular songs, "Same Old Lang Syne." 5 years later, in December of 1980, the world first heard that song as it began its run on the charts that would last for more than 4 months.

Met my old lover in the grocery store. The snow was falling Christmas Eve.

I stole behind her in the frozen foods and I touched her on the sleeve

She didn't recognize the face at first... but then her eyes flew open wide.

She went to hug me and she spilled her purse and we laughed until we cried.

We took her groceries to the checkout stand. The food was totaled up and bagged.

We stood there lost in our embarrassment as the conversation dragged.

We went to have ourselves a drink or two, but couldn't find an open bar.

We bought a six-pack at the liquor store and we drank it in her car.

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to now.

We tried to reach beyond the emptiness but neither one knew how.

She said she'd married her an architect who kept her warm and safe and dry.

She would have 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.

She said she saw me in the record stores and that I must be doing well.

I said the audience was heavenly but the traveling was hell.

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to now.

And tried to reach beyond the emptiness but neither one knew how.

We drank a toast to innocence, we drank a toast to time.

We're living in our eloquence. Another 'auld lang syne.'

The beer was empty and our tongues were tired and running out of things to say.

She gave a kiss to me as I got out and I watched her drive away.

Just for a moment I was back at school... and felt that old familiar pain.

And as I turned to make my way back home - the snow turned into rain.

Dan Fogelberg, in my humble opinion, was one of the single, best lyricists of my lifetime. This song, "Leader of the Band," and my favorite - "Nexus." He often told intricate, detailed and intimate stories then set them to his own amazing music. He was one of my favorite artists. Harry Chapin had a similar gift but Harry died before he really got a chance to show off his writing talents.

So here's to you, Dan. Thanks for the songs that I know so well and still sing when they come on the radio. And thanks to Doreen for sharing the story.