As you ring in the new year at the stroke of midnight, you may find yourself singing that famous New Year’s anthem, Auld Lang Syne, written by Robert Burns back in the 1700s.
Even though we sing it, not many of us really know the lyrics or what they mean. The words auld lang syne translate to, literally, for old times’ sake, and the tune is about remembering friends from the past, and not letting them be forgotten.
Despite its association with New Year’s Eve, Auld Lang Syne was a song that had nothing to do with any holiday. It was Guy Lombardo who popularized the song when his band played it between programming during a live radio broadcast in New York in 1929. The band played Auld Lang Syne right at the stroke of midnight, and a tradition was born.
So here are the lyrics to that famous song:
Auld Lang Syne
by Robert Burns
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 slopes, 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 us a hand o’ thine! And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
Take a listen to this beautiful version by Scottish singer Mairi Campbell.
