New Year's Folk Song

Auld Lang Syne

 This Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 was a traditional folk song. In English the literal meaning is “old long since” or mostly known as, “long long ago” and also equivalent to, “Once upon a time…”  Robert Burns restored the piece and re-wrote the lyrics of the New Year’s song that was made before his time. 

Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo is credited for making this folk song popular at New Year’s celebrations in the United States. He first recorded the song in 1939 and it soon became his trademark. It is now a celebratory song that is sung after a countdown when the clock strikes midnight of the New Year.

Lyrics:

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.

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.

Happy New Year!