Most people only know the first verse and the chorus, so don’t be put off by the poem’s length. Get yourself prepared for Hogmanay by learning the lyrics, then you can participate in this heartwarming Hogmanay tradition too. When the song ends, everyone rushes to the middle, still holding hands, and probably giggling. In 1799, it was set to a traditional tune, which has. Everyone stands in a circle holding hands, then at the beginning of the final verse ('And there's a hand my trusty friend') they cross their arms across their bodies so that their left hand is holding the hand of the person on their right, and their right hand holds that of the person on their left. The text is a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 but based on an older Scottish folk song.

It has long been a much-loved Scottish tradition to sing the song just before midnight.

Some of the lyrics were collated along with his own the. He was a Scottish poet and wrote the poem Auld Lang Syne in 1788. It is sung all over the world, evoking a sense of belonging,fellowship, and nostalgia. He was also known as Rabbie Burns and the Bard of Ayrshire. The phrase 'auld lang syne' roughly translates as 'for old times' sake', and the song is all about preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year. For auld lang syne, my dear, For auld lang syne. In 1788 Robert Burns sent the poem 'Auld Lang Syne' to the Scots Musical Museum, indicating that it was an ancient song but that he'd been the first to record it on paper. Everything you wanted to know about Robert Burns, Scotlands national bard (and lots more besides).

Rabbie burns auld lang syne