When Burns became a Freemason at the age of 23 he quickly absorbed the superb symbolism of the Craft.Ĭonviviality was, for Burns, one of the most important virtues. Times together, the happy experiences they had together and the kindly folk they met. Who, after re-uniting, reminisced about their earlier Who drifted apart after their early schooling, and The song was initially centred on two young men Poosie Nancy's Tavern in Mauchline, or theīachelors Club in Tarbolton located a few miles It seems likely that the song was first sung either in Scottish songs, he modified them and, in some The possibility is that Burns only wrote two of theįive verses. International song of departure, and is sung by

They are attributed to Robert Burns who apparently picked up the tune and some of the wordsįrom an old man singing in the dialect of southwest Scotland. World will sing Auld Lang Syne to see out 1995.įew will know all the words and fewer still what they mean. Undoubtedly, millions of people throughout the Lodges in Texas, Georgia and parts of Alabama sing a 'Funeral Dirge' The following verses are a translation of Auld Lang Syne into modern English:Īnd we'll both get tight with all our mightīut we've tired our feet on many a street Matthew Fitt uses the phrase “In the days of auld lang syne” as the equivalent of “Once upon a time…” in his retelling of fairy tales in the Scots language.And we'll tak' a right guide-willie waught,

The phrase “Auld Lang Syne” is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757), and James Watson (1711) as well as older folk songs predating Burns. Consequently, “For auld lang syne”, as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as “for (the sake of) old times”.

The song’s Scots title may be translated into standard English as “old long since”, or more idiomatically, “long long ago”, “days gone by” or “old times”. The international Scouting movement, in many countries, uses it to close jamborees and other functions. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. “Auld Lang Syne” is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song.

Robert burns auld lang syne