“Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional Scottish song that is widely recognized and commonly associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations. The title, “Auld Lang Syne,” can be translated to English as “old long since,” “long, long ago,” or “days gone by.”
The phrase is used to reminisce about the past and express a sense of nostalgia and camaraderie. By extension, it is also often heard at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions; for instance, many branches of the Scouting movement use it to close jamborees and other functions. The lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne” were written by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788.
Burns claimed that he had collected the lyrics from an old man who had learned them from his grandfather. The melody used in the song is believed to have older roots, and it was paired with Burns’ lyrics later. The song quickly gained popularity in Scotland and eventually became associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations around the world. The song is typically sung to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one, making it a staple in New Year’s Eve celebrations.
What does “we’ll take a cup of kindness yet” mean? Think spirits, but not the ghost kind: “A cup of kindness” refers to raising a toast to loved ones, kindness, and overall good vibes.
It is commonly performed at the stroke of midnight to mark the transition from the old year to the new one. People often join hands, forming a circle, and sing the song together as a symbol of unity and togetherness. The melody of “Auld Lang Syne” has been used in various cultural contexts, and it is not exclusive to New Year’s celebrations. It has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and cultural events, making it one of the most recognizable and widely used melodies in the world.
In 1792, the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn arranged Auld Lang Syne as one of over 400 Scottish folk song arrangements commissioned by George Thomson and the publishers William Napier and William Whyte; his arrangement may have helped popularise the song. Ludwig van Beethoven also wrote an arrangement of Auld Lang Syne published as part of his 12 Scottish Folksongs (1814). Both of these classical versions use the original brisk strathspey rhythm.
Auld Lang Syne (Standard English Version)
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and 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.
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
We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
Chorus
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
Chorus
And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
Chorus
Further Reading
Sources
- “Auld Lang Syne” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auld_Lang_Syne
- “Auld Lang Syne” https://genius.com/Robert-burns-auld-lang-syne-annotated
- “Say What? Find Out the True ‘Auld Lang Syne’ Meaning and Why We Sing It Every New Year’s Eve” https://parade.com/1288258/jessicasager/auld-lang-syne-meaning-lyrics/
- “Auld Lang Syne” https://www.britannica.com/topic/Auld-Lang-Syne
