Are you one of those people who love to sing the traditional Auld Lang Syne to welcome in the New Year , but get sort of stuck after the first few lines?
I am – I must admit that. So for all of us, here is a bit about the song, the original Scottish version and much needed English translation.
The “Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish poem by Robert Burns. He wrote it in 1788 and it was set to to the tune of a traditional folk song. It is very well known in English-speaking countries and it is best known for welcoming in the New Year at the stroke of midnight.
What does “Auld Lang Syne” mean?
Translated into English, it literally means “old long since”, translated loosely – “long long ago”, “days gone by” or “old times”.
If you add the first words of lyrics, it can be translated “ for the sake of old times” – either sentiment is nice and friendly. Enjoy!
Burn’s Original Scot version:
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-stowp !
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 pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We twa hae paidl’d i’ 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 gie’s a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
English translation:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?
CHORUS:
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.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
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.
CHORUS
Hope you have a wonderful time welcoming in the New Year. I wish all of you, your families and friends only the best in 2019 and Thank you for visiting with me!
