Auld Lang Syne lyrics, with Dougie MacLean's recording

As the sun sets here in southeastern Wisconsin, I just thought I’d share my favorite version of tonight’s theme song, “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s by Scotland’s own Dougie MacLean.

I love it because MacLean sings the words to Robert Burns’ original Scottish poem so clearly and plainly. His guitar is simple, almost like a music box. Along with the easy tempo, this really brings out the wistfulness and sentimentality of the verses.

Here is the Robert Burns poem, from 1788:

Auld Lang Syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
  And never brought to min’?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
  And days o’ lang syne?

We twa hae rin about the braes,
  And pu’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d monie a weary fit
  Sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’t i’ the burn,
  Frae mornin’ sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
  Sin’ auld lang syne.

And here ‘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.

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!

For auld lang syne, my dear,
  For auld lang syne,
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet
  For auld lang syne.

In case you’re not too clear about the Scottish (I sure am not), the World Burns Club has helpfully posted their standard English translation of the poem. They render it as “Old Long Past.” I have also heard “Old Long Since,” but I prefer to think of it as “Once Upon a Time,” as the Wikipedia article credits Matthew Fitt with saying.

Wikipedia also notes that Burns himself claimed to have taken the words down from an old man, but there’s a suggestion that he may have been winking as he said this.

At any rate, I hope you enjoy the track. I bought and downloaded my own copy from iTunes. The player above also includes an Amazon.com option, but I did not find it there this afternoon.

May you and those you love enjoy a happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.