Auld Lang Syne - Traditional New Year's Song
Song Lyrics & History

• The words are from an old poem written by the National Poet of Scotland, Robert Burns (1759-1796)
• The melody's origins are in doubt, but are consistent with traditional Scottish folk songs
• One of the most recognized songs in the English language, it is ironically one of the least understood, although sung at just about every New Years celebration in the English speaking world
• Roughly translated, Auld Lang Syne may be translated as 'old long since', or perhaps simply 'long ago', or even 'days gone by'. 
• In other uses in the literary world the phrase “In the days of auld lang syne” is used, roughly the same as “Once upon a time”
• Although there are several verses to the original poem, traditionally only the first verse and the chorus are used in performance at social gatherings
• The tune is used with different lyrics for several college alma maters, including the University of Virginia
• Bandleader Guy Lombardo is credited with popularizing the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations here in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and TV, which began in 1929

Song Lyrics - Auld Lang Syne

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o’ 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

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne

We two have run about the hills,
And picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
Since auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne

We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine (dinner time) ;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syne

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne

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

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne

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