What Does New Year’s Eve Song Lyrics 'Auld Lang Syne' Mean 2014?

Should old acquaintance be forgot and something, something, something. Chances are, most people know the tune of the New Year’s song “Auld Lang Syne,” but practically no one knows more than the first few words or what it even means. The fact that many people have consumed a decent amount of alcohol by the time “Auld Lang Syne” is played at midnight Jan. 1 probably doesn’t help either. But for those who are curious what they’ll be singing later, continue reading.

According to Scotland.org, Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote the lyrics to “Auld Lang Syne.” The beloved song can be heard from Brooklyn to Bangkok, but the familiar melody is not the one Burns knew. But what does it mean? The site notes that while the song references the love and kindness that was experienced in the past, it also gives listeners a sense of union and belonging to bring with them into the future. Quite fitting, eh?

According to the Examiner, “auld lang syne” is Scots for “old long ago.” But in the way its used in the song, it essentially means the “good old days.”

And now you can finally sing the right lyrics:

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!