Auld Lang what??

This post is dedicated to my mom who first taught me to sing this traditional New Year's song.

If you've ever watched "New Year's Rockin' Eve with Dick Clark you've heard the song Auld Lange Syne. When Napp and I first started dating, he was impressed that I was the only person he knew that actually knew the lyrics to the song (well, I know by heart one version of the lyrics and so does my mom, but there are several versions. ) However, many people wonder, "What does Auld Lang Syne mean? It is basically the equivalent to "once upon a time" or a long long time ago...the past. Here is one English translation of the song. Also, James Taylor sings a fantastic version that I'd highly recommend. In my opinion, no one can croon a reflective song better than James Taylor.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup o’ 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 o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine^† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS