Auld Lang Syne Means What?

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“For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning."
― T.S. Eliot (Little Gidding)

The words to the song Auld Lang Syne traditionally sung at midnight, what do they mean? Those three words, Auld Lang Syne, which we sing in whatever voice we can muster at midnight.

Literally, they mean "old long since" or "long long time".

The "times gone by" bit is about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten. It is a call to remember old friends as time marches on while we concentrate on New Year Resolutions and finding someone to kiss at midnight.

We fondly remember the past as the future roars in.

Yes, Auld Lang Syne reminds us to remember and cherish our old friendships. They are a call to toast good health and good will for the year ahead. And with that, I give you your lyrics to sing at the stroke of midnight, tonight. (English version)

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

CHORUS:
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.

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 me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Stay inspired through out the New Year my friends!