Meeting Authors - Robert Burns (2)

"Auld Lang Syne"
Robert Burns is said to have written the song around 1788, putting the lyrics to a traditional Scottish tune. The lyrics came from an old Scottish farmer. Exactly what do those words mean? These are the top three contenders: "times gone by; long,long ago; days gone by." The tradition of singing this song on New Year's Eve does not originate with Mr. Burns, but is creditied to the Big Band Leader, Guy Lombardo. Mr. Lombardo first sang the tune on January 1, 1929, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.
Since most people know even fewer of the words to this song than they do to our national anthem, I print them for your reading pleasure...

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

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.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot.
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

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.

CHORUS