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What does Auld Lang Syne mean?
Loosely translated, Auld Lang Syne means ‘for old time’s sake’.
The poem was written in the last 1700s by Robert Burns in Scots, but the more common version that’ll be sung nowadays is much more palatable for those unfamiliar with many words used in old Scottish slang.
Some people do still choose to sing it like this – for example switching ‘my dear’ to ‘my jo’ and ‘take a cup’ to ‘tak’ a cup’.
It’s essentially a song that looks back to the year that’s gone, and looking forward to what’s yet to come. It’s the perfect song for Hogmanay or New Year’s Eve, as we all get a bit nostalgic.
Lyrics:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?
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.
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve 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.
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.
Source: Metro
