Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788. Burns claimed when he wrote the words down and put them to music, and later sent them the poem to the Scots Musical Museum, that was an ancient song, but he had been the first to record it on paper. #AuldLangSyne

According to Scotland.org, the phrase “auld lang syne” translates roughly to “for old times’ sake.” Others have translated it to mean “time goes by” or even as “once upon a time.” The song is about preserving old friendships and reminiscing about events that occurred during the year. Many people sing it to evoke fellowship and nostalgia, though most cannot fully get past the first verse of the song.

Its lyrics (shown below) are a challenge to the unfamiliar – even among those who grew up in the United Kingdom. According to a 2018 poll by the British supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, just 3 percent of people who live in England know the words. Among Scots, only 7 percent know all the lyrics. Even still, people may be content to hum along when it is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve.

Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788 and usually hummed or sung on New Years. #AuldLangSyne Click To Tweet

Though they might not realize it, New Year’s Eve celebrants are honoring a world-renowned Scottish poet and lyricist each time they sing along to “Auld Lang Syne” as the clock strikes 12 midnight and the calendar turns from one year to the next. Robert Burns wrote “Auld Lang Syne” in 1788 and translations regarding what the phrase means vary. Burns wrote the poem in the Scots language, which is a little known language spoken in Scotland and parts of Ulster in Ireland. But the phrase is now widely translated as “times long past,” which may explain why it has become the unofficial anthem of New Year’s Eve.

Article compliments of MetroCreative. TF19C557 – HL20A299

Happy New Years!

Happy New Year | Feliz año nuevo | bonne année

See if you know the lyrics …

Auld Lang Syne Lyrics

Should Auld Acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind
Should Auld Acquaintance be forgot
and days of Auld Lang Syne

For Auld Lang Syne my dear
For Auld Lang Syne
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
for days of Auld Lang Syne

We two have run about the braes
and pu’d the gowned fine
but we’ve wandered a many weary fit
since days of Auld Lang Syne

We two have piddl’d in the burn
frae morning’ sun ’til dine
but seas between us brae her roared
since days of Auld Lang Syne

Repeat that in gray area above!

And surely you’ll be yer pint Stowp
And surely I’ll be mine
And We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
for days of Auld Lang Syne

And there’s a hand my trusty fiere
and gives a hand o’ thine
And we’ll take right gude willie waught
for Auld Lang Syne

Repeat that in gray area above!

Learn more about the Baby New Year!

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Lyrics by Robert Burns

Lyrics courtesy of Britannica.com

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About the Author

Steve Patterson

A Christian Blogger that enjoys blogging about the Bible, Theology, God, Jesus Christ, Christian Music, Family, Cats, Odd Holidays, sewing and much more. I have been blogging since 2004, however, I have been blogging on Courageous Christian Father since 2012. I enjoy listening to Christian Music. I am married with 1 daughter, 2 step-sons and a step daughter.

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