Learning Supplement for Beginner Song 9: Auld Lang Syne

from 30 Progressive Duets for Low-G Ukulele

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History and Background

Auld Lang Syne is a song traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve, reflecting on past friendships and memories. It was written by Robert Burns in 1788, drawing inspiration from older Scottish folk songs. The phrase auld lang syne roughly translates to for old times' sake.

• While attributed to Robert Burns, the song is based on existing Scottish folk songs, which Burns transcribed and adapted. He claimed to have collected the lyrics from an older man.
  

• Publication:
  Burns first shared the song in 1788 with the Scots Musical Museum, indicating its ancient origins.

• Tune:
  The familiar melody we know today wasn't initially linked to Burns' lyrics. It was later combined with the lyrics, possibly by George Thomson, in the late 1790s.

• New Year's Tradition:
  "Auld Lang Syne" became a New Year's Eve tradition, particularly in Scotland (where it's part of Hogmanay celebrations) and later in other English-speaking countries. The tradition of linking arms and crossing hands is also thought to have Masonic origins.

• Global Reach:
  The song has been translated into many languages and is sung in various contexts worldwide, including graduation ceremonies in Japan and at the end of sporting events in Thailand.

• Guy Lombardo's Influence:
  The song's popularity in North America is largely attributed to Guy Lombardo and his band, the Royal Canadians, who played it during their New Year's Eve broadcasts starting in 1929.

In essence, "Auld Lang Syne" is a powerful song about friendship, nostalgia, and remembering the past, with a history that blends folklore, literary adaptation, and cultural transmission.

Lyrics

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Chorus

We two have run about the hills,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

Chorus

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

Learning Supplements: Useful Scale

Audio Play-Along

Uke 1 and Uke 2 are each playable in the 1st position. Uke 1 represents the traditional melody and Uke 2 combines harmony, counterpoint and embellishments to enrich the arrangement.

Auld Lang Syne Uke 1

Auld Lang Syne Uke 2

Auld Lang Syne Both Parts