Auld Lang Syne

Scotland

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

Auld Lang Syne is a folksong from Scotland, which people typically associate with friendship, New Year’s Eve, remembering the past, and the coming of the New Year. The text is attributed to the poet Robert Burns, who penned the lyrics in 1788. A few years later, the text was set to music, and the tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne on New Years Eve started during the 1800s. The literal translation of the Gaelic “auld lang syne” is “old times since,” and is taken to mean “for old time’s sake” or “times gone by.”

While listening to or singing this song, the children can rock their bodies to feel the meter of the song. They can also experience singing piano, legato, and creating smooth phrases with their voices. In addition to joyful group singing for holiday time, this song can also be sung as a lullaby.

In addition to the lyrics in the score above, often used verses for this song include:

We too have run about the hills, and picked the daisies fine. We’ve wandered many a weary foot, since Auld Lang Syne…

There’s a hand my trusty friend, and put your hand in mind. We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for Auld Lang Syne…

AUDIO RECORDING FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING:

 
 

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