Auld Lang Syne

Auld Lang Syne 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 celebrate the start of the New 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 songs Scots title may be translated into English literally as old long since, or more idiomatically, long long ago, days gone by or old times. Consequently For auld lang syne, as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as for (the sake of) old times.   The tune to which Auld Lang Syne is now commonly sung is a pentatonic Scots folk melody, probably originally a sprightly dance in a much quicker tempo.