The Tradition of Auld Lang Syne

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We sing it every year on New Year’s Eve but have you ever wondered why - or where the song originated?

Auld Lang Syne is Scottish for ‘Old Long Since’ meaning long ago. It was originally a poem by Scottish writer Robert Burns and was later set to the tune of an old folk song. Traditionally it is meant to be sung as a farewell at events such as funerals and graduations.
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While most of us only know the first verse, here is the poem in full, slightly anglicized:

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.

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And surely you’ll buy your pint cup
and surely I’ll buy mine
and take a cup of kindness yet
for auld lang syne

We two have run about the slopes
and picked the daisies fine
and wandered many a weary foot
since auld lang syne

We two have paddled in the stream
from morning sun till dine
but seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne

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And there’s a hand, my trusty friend
and give me a hand of thine
and we’ll take a right goodwill draught
for auld lang syne.

Bet you were singing along with it in your head, right?

Happy New Year!

#Celebration
#Holidays
#Traditional

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