Quote: Auld Lang Syne is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788. It is traditionally sung at the conclusion of New Year gatherings in Scotland and around the world, especially in English-speaking countries.
As well as celebrating the New Year, Auld Lang Syne is very widely used to symbolise other "endings/new beginnings" -- including farewells, funerals, graduations, the end of a (non-New Year) party or a Boy Scout gathering, the election of a new government, the last lowering of the Union Jack as a British Colony achieves independence and even the closing of a retail store. The melody is also widely used for other words, especially the songs of sporting and other clubs, and even national anthems. In Scotland and other parts of Britain, in particular, it is associated with celebrations and memorials of Robert Burns.
Lyrics
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 (or my dear), for auld lang syne, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, for auld lang syne.
And surely ye'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 run about the braes, and pu'd the gowans fine ; But we've wander'd mony a weary fit, sin auld lang syne.
CHORUS
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.
CHORUS
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere ! and gie's a hand o' thine ! And we'll tak a right gude-willy waught, for auld lang syne.