Auld Lang Syne (Old Long Since) is a traditional Scottish folk song. The title means “long long ago” or “days gone by.” In many English-speaking countries, it is traditionally sung at Hogmanay (the Scots word for "New Year's Eve")
and other end-of-year gatherings to bid farewell to the old year.
Although some versions of the lyrics are highly romanticized, the original lyrics were actually referring to two men, long-time friends, who have
moved to distant parts. One longs for the good times when they were together and asks that he not be forgotten. He invites the other to join him in a beer and drink to the friendship. The song is a touching reminder of the bonds of friendship and of good days past.
There are two versions of the melody: the “standard” version, and the original, more traditional version that is slightly different. We have included the standard version with recording and sheet music below, as well as a recording of the original version.
The folk song has inspired an imaginative arrangement by Franz Waxman’s jovial “Auld Lang Syne Variation”
here.
Some other interesting renditions: a mixed choral performance
here, bagpipe
here, banjo
here, string quartet
here.
Auld Lang Syne is here interpreted by the US Army Chorus and Ronnie Browne.
Listen to the standard version of Auld Lang Syne, by US Army Chorus
Listen to the traditional Scots version of Auld Lang Syne, by Ronnie Browne
Scots Lyrics:
1. Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne.
2. And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup!
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
3. We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
Sin' days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
4. We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
5. And here's a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught,
For days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
English Lyrics
1. Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld lang syne?
Chorus:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne.
2. And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
3.We two have run about the hills,
And picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
Since days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
4. We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
5. And here's a hand, my trusty friend!
And give a hand of thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
For days of auld lang syne.
(Chorus)
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