Auld Lang Syne Lyrics English Translation: Unpacking a Classic

OYWM – Hey there, friend! Ever found yourself belting out “Auld Lang Syne” on New Year’s Eve, not really sure what those Scottish lyrics actually mean? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This beloved song has been a staple at midnight celebrations for centuries, but its poetic verses can leave many of us scratching our heads.

Well, buckle up, because today, we’re going to dive deep into the English translation of “Auld Lang Syne” and unpack its rich symbolism and cultural significance. By the end of this article, you’ll not only understand the lyrics but also appreciate the song’s timeless appeal.

Auld Lang Syne Lyrics – English Translation

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o’ lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my Dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

We two have run about the hills,
And pulled the daisies fine;
But we’ve wander’d many a weary foot,
Since auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the brook,
From mornin’ sun till dinnertime:
But seas between us broad have roar’d,
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 goodwill draft,
For auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll buy your pint‐cup,
And surely I’ll buy mine;
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

The Lyrics: A Brief Overview

Before we get to the nitty-gritty, let’s quickly go over the original lyrics in Scots, the language in which the song was written:

Auld Lang Syne – The Original

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 dear,
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 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

Looks like a bunch of gibberish, right? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.

The Story Behind the Song

Before we delve into the English translation, it’s essential to understand the backstory of this iconic tune. “Auld Lang Syne” was written by the legendary Scottish poet, Robert Burns, in 1788. The phrase “auld lang syne” itself is a Scottish idiom that roughly translates to “times gone by” or “days of long ago.”

The song is often interpreted as a melancholic reflection on friendship and nostalgia, reminiscing about the good old days and cherishing the bonds formed through shared experiences. It’s a poignant reminder to value the connections we’ve made throughout our lives, even as time and distance may separate us.

The English Translation: Verse by Verse

Alright, enough with the preamble! Let’s dive into the English translation of “Auld Lang Syne” and unpack its meaning together.

Verse 1:

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

In this opening verse, the narrator ponders whether old friends and acquaintances should be forgotten, neglecting the memories of “auld lang syne” (times gone by). It sets the nostalgic tone for the song, inviting us to reflect on the cherished relationships we’ve formed over the years.

Chorus:

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

The chorus offers a sentimental response to the initial question. It suggests that, in honor of “auld lang syne” (the good old days), we should raise a glass and share a cup of kindness (a drink) with our dear friends. It’s a symbolic gesture of camaraderie and goodwill, celebrating the bonds that have withstood the test of time.

Verse 2:

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.

Building on the chorus, this verse reinforces the idea of sharing a drink with friends, each person contributing their share (“pint-stowp”). It’s a lighthearted invitation to come together and reminisce over a cup of kindness, honoring the memories of “auld lang syne.”

Verse 3:

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.

Here, the narrator reminisces about the carefree days of youth, when they would roam the hills (“braes”) and pick wildflowers (“gowans”) with their close friend. However, they acknowledge that they’ve traveled many a weary mile since those “auld lang syne” days, implying that time and distance have separated them.

Verse 4:

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.

Continuing the nostalgic reminiscence, this verse recalls childhood memories of wading in the stream (“burn”) from morning till dine (evening). Yet, the narrator laments that vast seas now roar between them, a metaphor for the physical and emotional distance that has grown since those “auld lang syne” days.

Verse 5:

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.

In the final verse, the narrator extends a hand to their trusty friend, inviting them to join hands and share a hearty drink (“gude-willie waught”) in honor of “auld lang syne.” It’s a heartwarming gesture of reuniting and rekindling the cherished friendship, despite the passage of time and distance.

The Enduring Appeal of “Auld Lang Syne”

Now that you’ve got the English translation down, you might be wondering why this song has remained so popular and beloved throughout the centuries. Well, my friend, the answer lies in its universal themes and relatable sentiments.

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. “Auld Lang Syne” taps into that longing for the carefree days of youth and the cherished connections we’ve formed along the way. It’s a reminder to appreciate the meaningful relationships in our lives, even as we navigate the inevitable changes and distances that time brings.

Moreover, the song’s simple yet poetic lyrics and catchy melody make it easy to sing and remember, fostering a sense of communal bonding as people from all walks of life join together in celebrating the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

Celebrating “Auld Lang Syne” in Style

Now that you’ve got a solid grasp on the English translation and significance of “Auld Lang Syne,” it’s time to put that knowledge into action! Here are a few fun ways to incorporate this classic tune into your New Year’s Eve celebrations:

1. Organize a Sing-Along: Gather your friends and family, print out the lyrics (both in Scots and English), and have a good old-fashioned sing-along as the clock strikes midnight. Don’t be shy – the more voices, the merrier!
2. Create a Video Tribute: Put together a heartwarming video featuring old photos and footage of your crew throughout the years, set to the tune of “Auld Lang Syne.” Share it with your loved ones as a nostalgic reminder of the bonds you’ve forged.
3. Host a Burns Night Celebration: If you really want to go all out, why not throw a traditional Scottish celebration in honor of Robert Burns, the poet who penned this timeless song? Serve up some haggis, neeps, and tatties, and raise a glass of Scotch whisky as you belt out the verses.
4. Create a “Auld Lang Syne” Playlist: Curate a special playlist featuring different renditions and covers of “Auld Lang Syne” from various artists and genres. You’ll be surprised at the creative interpretations out there!
5. Write Your Own Verse: Channel your inner poet and try your hand at composing a new verse for “Auld Lang Syne,” reflecting on your own cherished memories and friendships. Share it with your loved ones and make it a new tradition.

Wrapping Up: The Timeless Message of “Auld Lang Syne”

Well, there you have it, folks – a comprehensive guide to the English translation and cultural significance of “Auld Lang Syne.” Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the song or a curious newcomer, we hope this article has deepened your appreciation for this musical masterpiece.

At its core, “Auld Lang Syne” is a poignant reminder to cherish the bonds we’ve formed and the experiences we’ve shared with our loved ones. It’s a celebration of friendship, camaraderie, and the precious moments that make up the tapestry of our lives.

So, the next time you find yourself singing along to this classic tune, remember to raise your glass and reflect on the wonderful people and memories that have shaped your journey. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even be inspired to pen your own verse, adding to the rich legacy of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Cheers, my friends! Here’s to auld acquaintance and making new memories in the years to come.