What does Same Old Lang Syne mean?

Dan Fogelberg: Same Old Lang Syne Meaning

Album cover for Same Old Lang Syne album cover

Song Released: 1980


Same Old Lang Syne Lyrics

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 her sleeve.

She didn't recognize the face at first,
But then her eyes flew open wide.
She went to hug...

  1. anonymous
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    Apr 25th 2017 !⃝

    Reminds me of my high school sweetheart. Since I am married now and have a family of my own. I can only refer to this song in solitude. Like the song says "for a moment there I was back at school." (Pain)

  2. anonymous
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    Dec 18th 2014 !⃝

    Does anyone know where the person got their info that Dan said the passion wasn't there anymore? Unless I hear an interview where he says this, I don't believe it. I believe he still loved this girl and the snow/rain thing is a metaphor for his sadness when she is slipping away again.

  3. anonymous
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    Feb 25th 2012 !⃝

    He said it was true story, but didn't feel the passion for the other person, who was just a friend. He never thought it would be so identified with.

    I thought it was a perfect example of a first love and the bitter sweet meeting after love has matured into other parts of live. Coming home to see where it all started.

  4. anonymous
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    Nov 30th 2011 !⃝

    I believe this song reminds you that when you love a person and for whatever reason the love had to end, the love you still hold resurfaces immediately when you see them again or hear their name, no matter how much time passes. It's sad to me because when you see that person again, you know deep in your heart they are your true love and your love never stopped, even though you are not together. Unfortunatley, love in many instances is a victum of timing. Many meet their true love at the wrong time & they never have a chance to experience the love. I wish I/we had the opportunity to be with my/our true love but the timing was not right and it saddens me knowing that we will never know and will always wonder "what if". He will always remain my "special friend" and forever hold a special place in my heart that nobody will ever replace. I think of him every time I hear this song and remember just how much I miss him.

  5. panzas1010
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    Jun 15th 2009 !⃝

    This song is about how old feelings can be brought to the surface very unexpectedly and we forget how intense they were. He sees someone that he loved as a younger man but as time has gone by and he sees her now, he not only appreciates beautiful things about her but becomes more introspective about himself.

    Intimacy can be an uncomfortable and akward experience and when we're nervous we want to be close to people, but sometimes don't know how to. Insecurity is painful. Different people deal with loss in very different ways. This song is a very frank illustration of how much we are capable of love and how often don't see it come to fruition, but still work and struggle to make the best with what we have.


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