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The words 'Auld Lang Syne' literally translates from old Scottish dialect meaning 'Old Long Ago' and is about love and friendship in times past. The lyrics in the song Auld Lang Syne referring to 'We'll take a Cup of Kindness yet' relate to a drink shared by men and women to symbolise friendship. Happy New Year!

 

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-stowp,

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 pu'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 guid-willie waught

For auld lang syne!

*Chorus*

Meaning of unusual words:

Auld lang syne = Former days and friends

jo = dear

stowp = tankard

gowans = daisies

braid = broad

Guid-willie waught = friendly draught 

Written by Robert Burns, 1788