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 Ago
Should 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.
