Every New Year’s Eve people in the U.S. sing this song — Auld Lang Syne. Many of us don’t even know the words to the whole song — me included, so we get creative in our sober or liquor-induced state and make up our own words. But what do those words actually mean?
“Basically, the words “auld lang syne” translate into “for days past,” “days gone by,” or “for the sake of old times,” depending on whom you ask. But no matter what the literal translation is, the sentiment is the same. It’s a song that aims to honor the good old days on a night that’s all about ringing in the new.”
The poet Robert Burns often gets credit for the words.
There seem to be many different versions of the lyrics to Auld Lang Syne on the internet. You can view some here: Auld Lang Syne lyrics
With so many versions, it’s no wonder we have such a difficult time trying to sing this song.
Auld Lang Syne Original 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 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’d the gowans fine,
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit
Sin auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl’t in the burn
Frae morning 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,
And we’ll tak a right guid 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!
Auld Lang Syne Translation:
Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And days of long ago!
Chorus:
For old long ago, my dear
For old long ago,
We will take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago.
We two have run about the hillsides
And pulled the daisies fine,
But we have wandered many a weary foot
For old long ago.
We two have paddled (waded) in the stream
From noon until dinner time,
But seas between us broad have roared
Since old long ago.
And there is a hand, my trusty friend,
And give us a hand of yours,
And we will take a goodwill draught (of ale)
For old long ago!
And surely you will pay for your pint,
And surely I will pay for mine!
And we will take a cup of kindness yet
For old long ago!
via Auld Lang Syne lyrics ~ original and translated – Seattle Holidays | Examiner.com.
WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Happy New Year to you. I like the image of a cup of kindness.
Happy New Year! May 2011 bring you good health, peace, love, happiness, and success.