What is the meaning behind Robert Burns's Auld Lang Syne?

The Robert Burns poem was written in 1788 and while the original text was written in Scots, the English version is widely recited.

Despite its prominence, many may be curious to learn more about the meaning behind the poem and the reason why we sing it on New Year's Eve.

The tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve is practised around the world (Image: Jane Barlow/PA)

See the English lyrics for Auld Lang Syne

These are the English lyrics for Auld Lang Syne - commonly sung around the world.

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

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of 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.

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

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

And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o' thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne was written in 1788 and based on an older Scottish folk song (Image: Jane Barlow/PA)

What is the meaning behind the Robert Burns poem Auld Lang Syne?

In Scots, Auld Lang Syne means "for the sake of old times" or "time gone by" with a more literal translation of the poem reading: "old long since".

The song describes a pair of friends reminiscing and raising a drink for old time’s sake.

On a deeper level, the poem is interpreted as a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and time as well as the importance of friendship and the bonds we form throughout our lives.

Why do we sing Auld Lang Syne at Hogmanay?

According to National Geographic, the poem's emphasis on friendship, reminiscence and the parting of ways expresses the "essence of Hogmanay" - saying farewell to the year and remembering all the good times had.

Robert Burns is a world-famous poet (Image: Getty)

Recommended Reading:

Where does Hogmanay come from and why is it such a big occasion in Scotland?

Why do we hold hands during Auld Lang Syne?

Millions of people around the world partake in the tradition of linking hands and singing Robert Burns's Auld Lang Syne on New Year's Eve.

Its origins as a Hogmanay tradition are said to come from freemasonry, according to researchers from the University of Edinburgh. 

People would sing with their arms crossed and hands joined as a parting ritual at many Masonic lodges.

This is a Masonic ritual called the "chain of union" and was discovered by Musicologist Dr Morag Grant while scouring the archives at Glasgow's Mitchell Library.

Dr Grant said that the tradition of singing the song at times of parting, with crossed hands, emerged in the mid-19th century among Freemasons and other fraternal organisations.