“Auld Lang Syne” has become an international tradition since Robert Burns set the Scottish poem in 1788.
It is well known in many English-speaking countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the new year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.
Following are the lyrics for the song that has come to symbolize remembrance.
Auld Lang Syne
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot, and days of 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.
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!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught, for auld lang syne.