Auld Lang Syne
(Long Version)
"Auld Lang Syne" was a Scottish folk song from the 1600's or earlier. It was originally sung to a different tune from the current one. Around 1788, Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote his version, the one we know today. It's largely based on the older song and set to the same tune.
In 1799, the song appeared in "Thomson's Scotish Airs" and was for the first time set to the tune we know. That tune has it's roots in an old Scottish Dance Song.
You can read the Scots text to "Auld Lang Syne" below with an English version. You can also hear two recordings of this song sung; one to the old tune and one to the newer one.
Auld Lang Syne
(Long Version)
Olden Times
New Year's Song
New Year's Song
(Scots)
(English)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days o' auld lang syne?
(Chorus)
For auld lang syne, my Dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
We twa hae run about the braes
And pu't the gowans fine;
We've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidlet i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine
We'll tak a right gude-willie waught,
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.
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot
And days of olden times?
(Chorus)
For olden times, my dear,
For olden times,
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For olden times.
We two have run about the hills,
And pulled the fine daisies;
We've wandered many a weary foot
Since olden times.
We two have paddled in the brook,
From morning sun till dinner;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since olden days.
And there's a hand, my trusty friend,
And give us a hand of yours;
We'll take a proper good-will drink,
For olden times.
And surely you'll buy your pint-cup*!
And surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For olden times.
 - Scottish Children's Songs - Scotland - Mama Lisa's World: Children's Songs and Rhymes from Around the World
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Notes
*Approximately a 3 - 4 pint cup
Comments
"Auld Lang Syne" is also sung at funerals, graduations and as an ending to other occasions (like Burns Suppers). The Boy Scout's use this song to close jamborees and other functions around the world.
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Morgan Library has an online exhibit of this song called Auld Lang Syne: The Story of a Song
You can hear this song sung to the older original tune below.
2nd Recording: Sung by Carol Stripling
