Toast the New Year with Auld Lang Syne

“Auld Lang Syne” is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year.

At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 18th century, it was first published in 1796 after Burns’ death. Early song variations had been sung prior to 1700, and they inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition.

In the Scots language, “Auld Lang Syne” literally means “old long ago,” or simply, “the good old days.” To bring the words back in memory then, here is the song:

Auld Lang Syne
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 auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
And here’s a hand, my trusty friend
and gie’s a hand o’ thine,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet
for auld lang syne.