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Thank you, Robbie Burns, Scotland’s national poet, for recording the lyrics of Auld Lang Syne. Translated as “for the sake of old times,” it's "one of Scotland's gifts to the world, recalling the love and kindness of days gone by, but in the communion of taking our neighbours' hands, it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take into the future.” (1) This ballad is a reminder to remember friends from the past, recounting the good times shared together.
Written in 1788, this song has been popularized in modern times in movies and shows, and it is now a permanent fixture of New Year’s celebrations worldwide. As the clock strikes midnight in your respective time zone this coming week, here’s a “translation” of the lyrics, which often seem to trip up those of us across the pond. Happy 2015!
Auld Lang Syne
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.
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 [dinner time];
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
Sources: Mostly plagiarized from this, this, and this. Also, more info on Burns.
Written in 1788, this song has been popularized in modern times in movies and shows, and it is now a permanent fixture of New Year’s celebrations worldwide. As the clock strikes midnight in your respective time zone this coming week, here’s a “translation” of the lyrics, which often seem to trip up those of us across the pond. Happy 2015!
Auld Lang Syne
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.
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 [dinner time];
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
..........
Sources: Mostly plagiarized from this, this, and this. Also, more info on Burns.
