‘Auld Lang Syne’ Song Meaning And Lyrics For New Year’s Eve 2016: Celebrate 2017 With Classic Tune

Aside from lots of booze and cute appetizers, there’s something very familiar about New Year’s Eve: “Auld Lang Syne.” While the famous song is almost always played at the stroke of midnight, not everyone knows what it means-- and they certainly don't know the words to it.

In “Harry Meets Sally,” Billy Crystal’s character Harry muses about the song: “What does this song mean? My whole life I don’t know what this song means.” Meg Ryan’s character, Sally, answers: “Well, maybe it just means that we should just remember that we forgot them or something. Anyway, it’s about old friends.”

Just in case anyone is as confused as Harry, “Auld Lang Syne” was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, according to Scotland.org. He wrote it for the Scots Musical Museum. Burns noted that it was an “ancient” song, but that he was the first to put it to paper.

In general, the song is about remembering kindness and love that was experienced in the past. The point of the song is to have listeners band together while singing and bring the sense of union.

Even though “Auld Lang Syne” directly translates to “old long ago,” it means “good old days,” “times gone by” or “for old times’ sake” when it’s sang.

It was never intended to be sang at New Year’s Eve parties, but became a ritual after Guy Lombardo’s orchestra played it on the radio in 1929, ABC News wrote in 2012.

In Scotland, it’s a tradition to sing the song just before midnight. People stand in a circle and hold hands. At the beginning of the last verse, they cross their arms over their bodies so their left hand is holding the hand of the person on their right, Scotland.org noted. At the end of the song, everyone rushes to the middle while still holding hands.

The traditional version of the song is played in the first “Sex in the City” movie when Carrie rushes to meet Miranda before midnight hits on New Year’s Eve. To sing along without missing a word, check out the lyrics below:

“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,

We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup! and surely I'll buy mine!

And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine;

But we've wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine;

But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty friend! And give us a hand o' thine!

And we'll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.”

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