"Auld Lang Syne," a Scottish phrase which translates to "Old Long Since," or "Long, Long Ago," is a poem put to melody by poet Robert Burns in 1788. In English-speaking countries, it is traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight to celebrate New Year's.
Origin
Some lyrics and melody to "Auld Lang Syne" were collected by Robert Burns from traditional works, but literary scholars claim that the song's eclectic nature does not rob it of originality. While some speculate that Burns only wrote two of the five verses, the popularity of the song suggests that it is more than the sum of its parts.Mason Music: Auld Lang Syne
"Auld Lang Syne" Lyrics Excerpt
- Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
- And never brought to mind?
- Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
- And auld lang syne
- For auld lang syne, my dear,
- For auld lang syne,
- We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
- For auld lang syne!Hogmanay.net: "Auld Lang Syne" Lyrics and Karaoke
References
Fast Facts
-
Fact:
Originated in Scotland
-
Fact:
Written by Robert Burns
-
Fact:
"Auld Lang Syne" translates to "Old Long Ago"
-
Fact:
Often described as "the song that nobody knows"RobertBurns.org: 'Auld Lang Syne'
-
Fact:
Song became popular in the U.S. in the 1920s when band leader Guy Lombardo began using it during his radio broadcastsAsheville Citizen-Times: Auld lang what? The story behind the song (December 28, 2008)
-
Fact:
The University of Virginia's "The Good Old Song" shares the same tune
