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..Auld Lang Syne

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The international Scouting movement in many countries uses it to close jamborees and other functions.

The poem's Scots title may be translated into standard English as "old long since" or, less literally, "long long ago", "days gone by", or "old times". Consequently, "For auld lang syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as "for the sake of old times".

The phrase "Auld Lang Syne" is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757), and James Watson (1711), as well as older folk songs predating Burns. Matthew Fitt uses the phrase "in the days of auld lang syne" as the equivalent of "once upon a time" in his retelling of fairy tales in the Scots language.

In the Netherlands, the melody is used as the Dutch football song "Wij houden van Oranje" ("We Love Orange"), performed by André Hazes.

Auld Lang Syne (Lyrics)

Should old acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And the days of Auld Lang Syne

Chorus:
For Auld Lang Syne my Dear
For Auld Lang Syne
Let's take a cup of kindness yet
And the days of Auld Lang Syne

For all the places we have gone
And those we've yet to go
The loved ones that we'll see no more
Each and every gentle soul

Chorus:
For Auld Lang Syne my Dear
For Auld Lang Syne
Let's take a cup of kindness yet
And the days of Auld Lang Syne

For all the creatures great and small
Wherever you may roam
I wish some measure of the love
And joy we found at home

Chorus:
For Auld Lang Syne my Dear
For Auld Lang Syne
Let's take a cup of kindness yet
And the days of Auld Lang Syne

The 1st verse and chorus are by Robert Burns
2nd verse by Laurie Allmann
3rd verse by John Gorka

History of 'Auld Lang Syne' National Geographic
The soundtrack to the ball drop and midnight kisses, "Auld Lang Syne" is the quintessential New Years song. Learn how this Scottish poem became a holiday tradition, what the lyrics mean, and how the instantly recognizable melody has shifted over the years.