Tonight at least a few of us will be singing about Robert Burns 1788 poem put to music. The song is also sung at funerals, graduations, and other occasions of farewell. Literally translated, it means "old long since" , but usually interpreted as "days gone by." So now we sing it loosely meaning "for the sake of old times."
He begins asking if it is right that old times be forgotten, and asks to remember long time relationships.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne? (and days gone by)
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely ye'll be your pint-stowp, (You'll buy your pint cup)
And surely I'll be mine! (and I'll buy mine)
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.