The Most Familiar Song – to which nobody knows the words

“Auld Lang Syne” became an instant New Years standard when Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians played it New Years Eve of 1929, broadcasting from the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The song originated from an old Scottish poem published in 1788 by Robert Burns and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. The title remains in it’s original Gaelic language, and translates roughly to “old long time”. This song is referred to affectionately as “the most familiar song to which nobody knows the words”, and usually only the chorus and first verse are sung. Impress your friends this year with the whole song!

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

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.

We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for days of auld lang syne.

We two have run around the braes,

And pulled the gowans fine.

But we’ve wandered many a weary fit

Since the days of auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream

From morn’n sun till dine.

But seas between us two have roared

Since days of auld lang syne.

So here’s a hand my trusty friend!

Give us a hand of thine!

We’ll take a good-will drink again

For auld lang syne.