Auld Lang Syne (Scots pronunciation: [ˈɔːl(d) lɑŋˈsəin]: note s rather than z) is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud # 6294). 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. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The international Boy Scout youth movement, in many countries, uses it as a close to jamborees and other functions. The songs Scots title may be translated into English literally as old long since, or more idiomatically, 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. ----- Should Old Acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; The flames of Love extinguished, and fully past and gone: Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold, that loving Breast of thine; That thou canst never once reflect On Old long syne. CHORUS: On Old long syne my Jo, On Old long syne, That thou canst never once reflect, On Old long syne. ----- AULD LANG SYNE Burns’ original Scots verse Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne*? CHORUS: For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup! and surely I’ll be mine! And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. CHORUS We twa hae run about the braes, and pou’d the gowans fine; But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit, sin auld lang syne. CHORUS We twa hae paidl’d in the burn, frae morning sun till dine; But seas between us braid hae roar’d sin auld lang syne. CHORUS And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere! and gies a hand o’ thine! And we’ll tak a right gude-willie waught, for auld lang syne. CHORUS youtu.be/acxnmaVTlZA
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 17:25:41 +0000