Postkiwi

I grew up in Southland - the heartland of Scottish New Zealand. At country dances we’d finish by singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’. But I still don’t know many of the words to that song. So, in preparation for tonight’s New Year’s Eve party, I’ve researched the lyrics.

It appears as though Robbie Burns recorded what was already a Scots folk song sung in Scottish country taverns. At functions where I grew up we stood around in a circle singing Auld Lang Syne, linking hands on the last verse. Apparently the custom of linking left hand with person on the right and right hand with the person on the left comes from the Masonic Lodge - symbolising fraternal. equality. It’s a great practice, no matter where it comes from. I’ve been in functions where we all formed a ’snake’ and moved around the hall in increasingly small circles. Once we were all wound up together the circle unwound itself. All the while singing ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Lyrics for Auld Lang Syne

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

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup
And surely I’ll be mine;
And we’ll tak’ a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

Chorus

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

Chorus

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roared’,
Sin’ auld lang syne,

Chorus

And there’s a hand,
my trusty frier!
And gie’s a hand o’thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right guide-willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

Chorus