abstract
| - %22Auld Lang Syne%22 (Scots pronunciation: [ˈɔːl(d) lɑŋˈsəin]: note %22s%22 rather than %22z%22) is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud # 6294). It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The international Boy Scout youth movement, in many countries, uses it as a close to jamborees and other functions.The song's Scots title may be translated into standard English as %22old long since%22, or more idiomatically, %22long long ago%22, %22days gone by%22 or %22old times%22. Consequently, %22For auld lang syne%22, as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as %22for (the sake of) old times%22.The phrase %22Auld Lang Syne%22 is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757), and James Watson (1711) as well as older folk songs predating Burns. Matthew Fitt uses the phrase %22In the days of auld lang syne%22 as the equivalent of %22Once upon a time...%22 in his retelling of fairy tales in the Scots language.
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