Auld Lang Syne

Last updated on September 18, 2024

“Auld Lang Syne” is a beloved New Year’s Eve tradition that has been ringing in the new year for centuries. The song, which is traditionally sung at midnight on New Year’s Eve, has a rich history and cultural significance.

History

The origins of “Auld Lang Syne” can be traced back to 18th century Scotland, where it was written by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, and lyricist. Burns published the poem in 1788, and it is believed to be based on an old Scottish folk song. The title of the song, “Auld Lang Syne,” translates to “old long since” or “old times,” and it is often used to reflect on the passage of time and the memories that we have of past experiences and people.

While the song may have originated in Scotland, it has gained worldwide popularity and is now a traditional New Year’s Eve song in many countries. It’s often sung in a group, with people joining hands and singing the iconic chorus: “For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.”

Tradition

So why do we sing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight on New Year’s Eve? The song is a way to reflect on the past and bid farewell to the old year. It’s a tradition that allows us to look back on the memories we’ve made and the people and things we’ve lost or left behind. The lyrics of the song speak to the idea of remembering and cherishing the good times we’ve shared with friends and loved ones, and the chorus is a toast to the new year and the hope for a future filled with kindness.

In addition to its cultural significance, “Auld Lang Syne” has also been recorded and performed by numerous artists over the years. The Alexander Brothers recorded the first version of the song as we know it today in 1952, but it has since been covered by the likes of Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra, and Kenny G.

As we ring in another new year, “Auld Lang Syne” serves as a reminder to reflect on the past and the memories we’ve made, while also looking ahead to the future with hope and excitement. So raise a glass and join in the singing of this timeless classic as we say goodbye to the old.

Lyrics

Someone once told me that you are not really an adult until you know the lyics to Auld Lang Syne. Here is the version most commonly sung on New Year’s Eve:

Verse 1:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And old lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Verse 2:
And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

These are the lyrics that are most commonly used in modern versions of “Auld Lang Syne,” and they are the lyrics that are typically sung at New Year’s Eve celebrations. The song is traditionally sung in a group, with everyone joining in and singing along to the chorus.

The full lyrics to “Auld Lang Syne” as they are traditionally used in a formal performance are:

Verse 1:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And old lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Verse 2:
We two have run about the slopes,
And picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
Since auld lang syne.
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Verse 3:
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syne.
Chorus: 
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
Verse 4:
And there's a hand, my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
For auld lang syne.
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.