What Does New Year’s Song ‘Auld Lang Syne’ Mean? 2021 Lyrics And History

A New Year’s celebration isn’t complete without the singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” but some people know little to nothing about the song’s history and the meaning behind the lyrics.

“Auld Lang Syne” was written back in 1788 by Scottish poet Robert Burns. When the song is translated into English, it can take on different meanings, including “times gone by” and "old long since."

The Scottish folk song is about old friends reminiscing on past adventures and having a drink. Although it makes no specific mention of the new year, the song has become synonymous with welcoming the next chapter in life on New Year’s Eve and day.

In Scotland, there is a New Year’s tradition is to stand in a circle and sing “Auld Lang Syne” just before midnight.

According to Scotland.org, when the song reaches the final verse, the lyrics “And there’s a hand my trusty friend” represents when people are supposed to “cross their arms across their bodies so that their left hand is holding the hand of the person on their right, and their right-hand holds that of the person on their left. When the song ends, everyone rushes to the middle, still holding hands, and probably giggling.”

Sing along to the new year’s classic “Auld Lang Syne” with the complete lyrics:

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-stowp!
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 pu’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot
Sin auld lang syne.

Chorus

We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn,
Frae mornin' 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 guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.

Chorus

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And long, long ago.

Chorus

And for long, long ago, my dear
For long, long ago,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago

And surely youll buy your pint-jug!
And surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For long, long ago.

Chorus

We two have run about the hills
And pulled the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered manys the weary foot
Since long, long ago.

Chorus

We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since long, long ago.

Chorus

And there’s a hand, my trusty friend!
And give us a hand of yours!
And we’ll take a deep draught of good-will
For long, long ago.

Chorus

Happy New Year!