Auld Lang Syne

by Robert Burns

Auld Lang Syne was written by Scotsman Robert Burns in 1788. Literal translation: 'old long since' or more loosely as 'long long ago' or 'days gone by.' The song is traditionally sung by English speakers on New Year's Eve to bid farewell to the outgoing year at the stroke of midnight. Also sung at funerals, or sentimental occasions to bid farewell to cherished friends.

An illustration for the story Auld Lang Syne by the author Robert Burns — Old Lang Syne illustration by John Masey Wright (1841)

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 jo,
for auld lang syne,
we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye'll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd mony a weary fit,
sin' auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl'd in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
sin' auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie's a hand o' thine!
And we'll tak' a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Auld Lang Syne was featured as The Short Story of the Day on Tue, Dec 31, 2019

If you enjoyed this poem/song, you might like our selections of Christmas Stories and 100 Great Poems.

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