Here is the traditional Robert Burns' song (written in 1788) for midnight on Hogmanay or to mark a major farewell.
Auld Lang Syne 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 you'll be your pint stoup, And surely I'll be mine, And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet For auld lang syne! Chorus We twa hae ran about the braes, And pou'd the gowans fine, But we've wander'd monie a weary fit Sin' auld lang syne. Chorus We twa hae paidl'd in the burn Frae morning sun til 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!
Here is the "translation" into modern English.
Days Long AgoShould old acquaintances be forgotten And never be remembered? Should old acquaintances be forgotten and days long ago. Chorus: For days long ago, my dear, For days long ago We'll drink a cup of kindness yet For days long ago! And surely you'll have your pint tankard And surely I'll have mine. And we'll drink a cup of kindness yet For days long ago. Chorus We two have run about the hills And pulled the daisies fine But we've wandered many a weary mile Since the days long ago. Chorus We two have paddled in the stream From morning sun till dinner-time But the broad seas have roared between us Since the days long ago. Chorus And here's my hand, my trusty friend, And give me your hand too, And we will take an excellent good-will drink For the days of long ago.
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