The Meaning and History of the Song, Auld Lang Syne

One of the many traditions that many celebrants of the New Year never forget is to sing the song "Auld Lang Syne". The thing that is funny is that many of those that sing it have no idea as to the reasons behind the phrase or the song symbolically sung as the clock strikes midnight on January 1 of every year. According to Trivia-Library.com, "Auld Lang Syne" is a poem written by Scottish writer Robert Burns in 1788. The poem turned into song lyrics to the tune of a traditional folk song. Many believe that the Burns poem had portions that were similar to that of James Watson's "Old Long Syne" which was printed in 1711. Soon after the printing of Burns' song, it began being used to celebrate the Scottish holiday of Hogmanay and New Year's Eve. Strangely enough it is unknown whether or not the current tune used with the lyrics was the ones that Burns intended. However, this is the melody to which are most commonly used in areas of the world that play the song on New Year's Eve. There is also a version of this song sung in pubs and bars across the British Isles as well as the United States. The meaning of "Auld Lang Syne" is old long since or for old time's sake. This means that it is meant to reminisce about times and occurrences of the past, or to reflect upon them. To translate the words from the original Robert Burns poem:

FIRST VERSE:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o' 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.

The way in which we sing it in present day English, is:

FIRST VERSE:

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

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old times since?

CHORUS:

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

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

The song was first made popular in the United States back in 1929 when band director Guy Lombardo began playing the song on his radio broadcasts and later on his television broadcasts.

Many countries use the tune of the song for different reasons. Variations of "Auld Lang Syne" are sung for the purpose of farewells in some countries. At one time Korea's national anthem was sung to the "Auld Lang Syne" melody. It is presently used in South Korea at funerals.

There are some that consider the song to be sad. However, anyone that actually read the lyrics can see that its meaning is not to dampen the spirits of those singing it, but merely to recall memories of times gone by.

Sources:

Origins of Famous Songs: Auld Lang Syne, http://www.trivia-library.com/a/origins-of-famous-songs-auld-lang-syne.htm, Trivia-Library

Auld Lang Syne, http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Auld_Lang_Syne/id/1922654, Experience Festival