Do you know the meaning of auld lang syne? This article will tell you everything you need to know about this Scots phrase and song by Robert Burns.
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Kevin
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February 6, 2022
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What Does Auld Lang Syne Mean?
Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song by Robert Burns, a poet from Scotland. In English, auld lang syne translated to old long since. While this direct translation may not make much sense, this phrase means something along the lines of “for old times’ sake” or “since long ago.” In the lyrics of the song, friends recount their many adventures and good times from long ago.
Burns penned the song in 1788 but did not publish this poem until 1796 after he died. This poem was published in the book Scots Musical Museum Volume 5 by James Johnson. It is unknown where the tune to the verses and chorus originated, and nobody has been able to track down the original composer of the ballad. Therefore, all of the credit is attributed to the manuscript of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Guy Lombardo from the Royal Canadians band popularized the song.
“Auld Lang Syne” is the most famous New Year’s Eve song. While there is a wide variety of Christmas songs to choose from, “Auld Lang Syne” is what you’re most likely to hear when the ball drops on New Years’ from Times Square. This song is famously used in the climax of the movie When Harry Met Sally starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.
What Are Synonyms of Auld Lang Syne?
Auld lang syne is a phrase that is almost exclusively related to the poem and song that is sung on New Year’s Eve. If you are looking for a phrase that means auld lang syne but plan not to use it in the context of the song, it is best to use a synonym.
This can help eliminate confusion, as no one will assume you are talking about the song instead of times that have passed. Synonyms are also a great way to grow your vocabulary and eliminate repeated word usage. Take a look at this list of synonyms to learn what words and phrases you can use in place of the term auld lang syne.
- eons ago
- ages
- days beyond recall
- days of old
- earlier times
- good old days
- halcyon days
- history
- in olden times
- in the old days
- in the past
- lang syne
- long ago
- long gone
- long since
- month of Sundays
- old but gold
- old long-ago
- old long-since
- old times
- olden days
- olden times
- past
- remote ages
- time immemorial
- time out of mind
- times long past
- years ago
- yesterday
- yesteryear
- yore
What Are antonyms of Auld Lang Syne?
There are also numerous different words and phrases that someone could choose to use which have the opposite meaning of auld lang syne. These are called antonyms, which are another great way to work on expanding your vocabulary or varying your speech. This list of antonyms of auld lang syne can be very useful in building your knowledge of English language words and phrases.
- after this
- approaching
- at some future time
- at the moment
- coming
- distant in time
- ensuing
- eventual
- expected
- far in advance
- far into the future
- fated
- for the foreseeable future
- forthcoming
- freshly
- from now on
- from this day
- from this day forth
- from this day forward
- from this time onward
- from time on
- hence
- henceforward
- hereafter
- imminent
- impending
- in days to come
- in the future one day
- in recent years
- in the coming years
- in the distant future
- in the present
- in time to come
- information era
- long after
- prospective
- today’s era
- today’s time
- upcoming
What Are the Lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne”?
There are two different versions of the song “Auld Lang Syne” — an English version, and a Scots version.
Scottish Lyrics
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup!
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
We twa hae run about the braes
And pu’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit
Sin auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin auld lang syne.
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.
English Lyrics
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 of 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 me a hand of thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
For auld lang syne.
Auld Lang Syne is a popular song for a new year’s celebration. This old song was originally a Scottish poem but is now used by North American English speakers in Burns’ dialect with more common lyrics. It is unknown who the composer of this old song is, but it is seen as a celebration of olden times.
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