So, what kind of song is Auld Lang Syne to be sung at midnight on January first, anyway? Ever wondered what the words
were, what they meant, and where they came from? Wonder no more, for presented here is the writer's name, a brief history of the song, and finally, the lyrics and the obscure meaning of words long out of date.
First, the song was written by poet, Robert Burns, born in Scotland in 1759. Burns claimed to have transcribed it from, "and old man's singing," but being similar to a tune printed around 1700, the other was certain to
be quite a bit older. Auld Lang Syne, considered a song of friendship and salutation (and sometimes of parting) was originally a Scottish barroom ballad, but now is sung almost universally as the New
Year's antham and is sung occasionally on "Burns Day." Auld Lang Syne was first published in 1796.Most people have no idea what most of the lyrics to the song are…and many are quite imbibed when
they try to slur out what they think might be the lyrics to the song. For your reading pleasure, here are the lyrics and something of a glossery if you want to get the song right next New Year's Eve. You'll have
LOTS of time to practice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot (auld=old)
And never brought to min'?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And days o' lang syne? (lang syne=long ago)
(Chorus) For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld land syne
We'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne. (Chorus)
We twa hae run about the braes (We twa hae-We two have) (braes=hillsides)
And pou'd the gowans fine (pou'd the gowans=pulled the daisies)
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit (monie=many) (fit=foot)
Sin auld lang syne. (sin=since)
(Chorus)
We twa hae paidl't in the burn (paidl'd in the burn=waded in the stream)
Frae morning sun till dine (Frae=from) (dine=dinner time)
But seas between us braid hae roar'd (braid=broad) (hae=have)
Sin auld lang syne. (Chorus)
And there's hand my trusty fiere (fiere=companion)
And gie's a hand o' thine, (gie's=give us)
And we'll tak a right guid-willie waught (guid-willie waught=goodwill drink)
For auld lang syne. (Chorus)
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp (stowp=pay for)
And surely I'll be mine
And we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne. |
