So, you think you know the words to that old New Year’s Eve song, Auld Lang Syne? Doubtful! Well, unless you’re a Robert Burns buff or a member of a holiday chorus, you probably do what everybody else does: sing the vowels. Auld Lang Syne (meaning, “days of long ago”) is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. Scots, not to be confused with Scottish Gaelic, was the language of the Scottish Lowlands. Anyway, Burns composed/compiled five verses that were eventually set to music—becoming the quintessential New Year’s Eve song for all time.
When we hear Auld Lang Syne in a movie, on a TV show, or at a party, what we are most likely hearing is a combination of the original Scots version and the English version. Why do we usually hear a mixture of the two? We hear it because nobody speaks Scots around here and “days of long ago” messes up the rhyme scheme.
Show Off Tonight!
Chances are that later on tonight you will find yourself in the company of others while watching the ball drop. Once it drops and the confetti falls and everybody kisses each other—the song will begin. Will you be ready? Of course you will! Below is the English version of Auld Lang Syne with every instance of the phrase, “days of long ago” swapped out for the title.
Auld Lang Syne (English/Scots Hybrid Version)
Verse 1:
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld 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.
Verse 2:
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-
Verse 3:
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-
Verse 4:
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
-CHORUS-
Verse 5:
And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
-CHORUS-
