Auld Lang Syne

The traditional Scottish folk song called “Auld Lang Syne” comes from a poem published by Robert Burns in 1788. This song is well known in the English-speaking world and is often sung at the stroke of midnight to welcome the start of the New Year. 

A literal translation of auld lang syne would read as ‘old long since’ but Auld Lang Syne is understood to mean ‘for the sake of old times’ or ‘time gone by’. The song is about the importance of remembering your friends and of times gone by.

The line in the lyrics which says “we'll take a cup o’kindness yet” refers to the tradition of raising a glass or a cup o’ kindness with good will, friendship and kind regards.  

People around the world link hands when they sing Auld Lang Syne on New Year’s Eve.  This Hogmanay tradition comes from the freemasonry. At many Masonic lodges, singing with arms crossed and joining hands was and still is a parting ritual.  

Not just at Masonic lodges.  I remember we would sing taps at the end of the day at summer camp.  We would stand up and join hands to sing and before saying good night would shake hands up and down and say, “Thanks for the evening, campers.”

Robert Burns' poem had more verses but in most English-speaking countries, the first verse and chorus are now closely associated with celebrating the New Year. These are the words we typically sing at the stroke of midnight.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot 

And the days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear

For auld lang syne

We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet

For the sake of auld lang syne.

Canadian-born bandleader, Guy Lombardo, helped make “Auld Lang Syne” a New Year’s Eve tradition in North America.  On December 31, 1929, his band called the Royal Canadians, played the song in a series of popular radio broadcasts.  Later these broadcasts were on television and every New Years’ Eve for more than 30 years this song was played.

Happy New Year everyone.  Enjoy singing this song with your family and friends tomorrow night.