Auld Lang Syne - Dougie MacLean (Lyrics and Meaning)

Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and later set to the tune of a traditional folk song. The song's title may be translated into Standard English as "old long since” or more idiomatically, "long long ago", "days gone by" or "old time’s sake". The song begins by posing a rhetorical question as to whether it is right that old times be forgotten, and is generally interpreted as a call to remember long-standing friendships.

[@mudd4284]

I’m 50 years old now. Every New Years Eve, when all the celebrations have settled…. Not too long after the long stroke of the final midnight of the year, I gently grace my Ibanez acoustical axe , then ease into playing and singing this song and everyone always gathers around and hums to it and kisses and hugs each other … wish every day was like that.

[@silveryfoxau]

upload it to utube and send me the link

[@suzibee9796]

That would be lovely 😍

[@21stcenturypleb]

Beautiful. I want to learn bagpipe. Have a little experience with piano and guitar. This song is more powerful than most realize.

[@lynnhavili5332]

Sending love to whoever listens to this yr. or yrs to come !

[@mollymaclean9957]

Being Scottish this song just rips you apart, but in a good way, I don't know how many tears are spilt on new year over this from the drunk and the sober, it's just beautiful!💕

[@TheKujisha]

+Molly Maclean Yes, I have to admit, the tears do flow in a good way :-)

[@johnallencrist.delosreyes9491]

+Molly Maclean It's very moving regardless of where you're from. May we remember and honour our previous memories. Have a great day/evening to whomever reads this, wherever you guys are!

[@JamieShiel]

Molly Maclean my granny on my dads side died before new years day and i still miss her but that was 6yrs ago

[@richardgray4754]

I l9ve this song but all I keep seeing in comments is Scottish people going on like they own the song

[@chubbieracoon___1677]

Molly Maclean Nice channel description, I like it

[@kaylan369]

Thank you Robert Burns for preserving the Scottish way of life, traditions, and customs.

[@sukhkarangill5227]

Aye cheers to that

[@robburns3059]

You’re welcome my son

[@kaylan369]

@@robburns3059 😂 the man himself everybody 👏🏻👏🏻

[@gdbruin777]

I’ve never heard a better version of this song. Just a great voice and a guitar.

[@yoloswaggins5633]

When I listen to this song, I picture myself myself middle-aged, around a table with old childhood friends. We're sharing a bottle of some fine whiskey. Some of us are married, have kids, and jobs... all of us victims of the uncertainties of time. Before we stand and head back to the chaos of our respective lives, we laugh and joke about our lives in younger days and give one final cheers in hopes of being able to see each other soon. That's the feeling I get from this song...

[@benjaminchristensen1646]

The power of words :)

[@andrewz4537]

I'm well past middle-aged, with grand-children and I suppose some of those things happened back in auld lang syne. Carpe diem!

[@lhistorienchipoteur9968]

I, personnally, picture myself the highlands showed from the sky.

[@justsomenut89]

Well, I didn't think I'd be crying over my cup of coffee this morning...thanks Yolo! Beautifully said.

[@TheDogPa]

@@justsomenut89 In this infinite universe, one can feel very tiny at times. While fighting tears over my morning coffee, listening to this, you've made me feel a little less alone. Thanks!

[@ol-Sarge]

This song makes me remember the passing of my best friend almost a year ago. He was as close as any brother ever was.

[@NicholasSladenDew]

To my years, absolutely the most beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne

[@DustInTheWind54]

Beautiful. Best version I’ve ever heard.

[@irmagarcia7826]

My favorite version too! Saludos and best wishes for 2025!🎉

[@stanleympoyi5709]

I lost my childhood best friend this year, I haven’t been in touch with him for 16 years but when I heard news of his passing memories came to my mind how we used to run the show! For auld lang syne

[@charlesrogers822]

This is the very best rendition of a special song. I listen to it every New Year's Eve, No on has ever done it better!

[@joshlopez1527]

My Papa just a few minutes ago lost his Big Brother to cancer. He had a strained relationship with him growing up along with throughout his adult life. He couldn't remember any happy memories with him in it. I truly hope that he is able to let any negative feelings to rest hearing this Version, Reading these Lyrics, of this song... 🙏

[@lgyoutubechannel9762]

A gorgeous, heartbreakingly beautiful rendition of this song. I'm so grateful for it

[@dogloverlcp]

This is the finest rendition of this beautiful song. Thanks for posting on KZbin enriching all of us. Happy New Year 2019, all.

[@alekesam]

Wow, I've heard this song a million times and never knew it's meanings. Amazing amazing heartfelt song.

[@robbyrobrob1]

MacLean has the best rendition of Auld Lang Syne .

[@tracychow8797]

Agree.

[@JeffGoins88]

I agree

[@Eevee13-xo]

one of the most beautiful songs ever sung, new years, easter, christmas, hannukah, tuesday? any day of the year.

[@timothycollins2989]

Listening to this bring the memories of my Scottish & Irish ancestors to mind. I am grateful for the choices they made long ago that have made my life what it has been in this great country. God Bless them & may they continue to Rest in Peace. Looking forward to the day I will meet them and say Thank you.

[@goodman3683]

The best and moving music ever heard. Listen to it every New Year Eve. Every time, it brings me back to the time I was young surrounded with real friends. I need some drinks with old friends after it.

[@fish1648]

It don't matter what version of this song I hear weather it's a vocal version or just instrumental it makes me cry

[@shannondawn44]

Happily seeing out 2021 and looking forward to 2022 . Blessing and happiness to yous all . Greetings from The Canadian Maritimes

[@johnallencrist.delosreyes9491]

It's very moving regardless of where you're from. May we remember and honour our previous memories. Have a great day/evening to whomever reads this, wherever you guys are

[@djpeters5095]

+John Allen Cris T. Delos Reyes an extremely moving lyrics and tune. The story behind it, I never knew. So happy to have stumbled upon it. Hope you have a great day today and forever more, John.

[@coreylineberry8557]

Have a blessed day, and all to the best to all of you in the new year of 2018.

[@leopoldstotch644]

Read this on 11/16/2020...that was a great comment the time you made it, and it's a great post four years later. Hope you're well, we're doing okay, thank you and take care.

[@ruthgosselin8788]

Thank you for keeping Scottish music Scottish

[@susanhooper-realtor5455]

Beautiful song to remind us not to forget the past but remember it for the future!

[@TheName008]

"tis the most-often heard song of film scores and I don't believe I've ever heard it done with more heart. Thanks for posting this.

[@Christian21sam]

Anyone here listening to this in December 2019? It is ripping me apart

[@ralfmuller626]

Yes, I do ... and I would welcome Scotland back in the Circle of European Union Countries!

[@Christian21sam]

It reminds of me the school days...with my fellow classmates

[@irenakyd4283]

aye...sigh

[@Christian21sam]

invite me to scotland please :-)

[@shaneking2247]

Just posted this so (hopefully) all friends will actually know the words they are singing.

[@cassiemeigs5711]

I had heard of this song, but never actually listened to it before...this is a beautiful song...thanks for the meanings, too, because I would have been lost on some of that :)

[@thatoneps4gamer753]

Bro did you sing that? You are a life saver. my school class is singing on stage and we have to sing 6 songs! Thank you dude you can really help.

[@kevindillon8228]

Burns Scotland’s favorite Son and on this New Year’s Eve ( and every other) the world’s favorite son , way too write them Rabbie. Happy New Year!!

[@BlueThunderboltsiren]

This touches me , the early 2000s through 2019 was my childhood. This song makes me remember all of the good times. *sheds a tear* now that im about to graduate, I'm just looking back at all of the fun and joyful things I've done in my life and leaving behind all of the bad things that have happened then just for fun. Now I just need to look forward into the future and see what happens next.

[@doriscastillo4438]

At least are happy memories.

[@birdonthehorizon]

Dougie MacLean sings beautifully and this is a grand version of the venerable song. Jim Malcolm is another who more than does it justice. A transcendent recording totally in the original Scots is Rod Patterson's on the album Songs from the Bottom Drawer.

[@gailwilliams2678]

Thank you for posting this lovely version. I usually play it on the piano at midnight as each year turns, whether with friends or alone. I "fell for" Dougie about ten years ago (Song for Johnny), and I'm very glad to have him singing this tonight when I'll lift a glass to "times long ago."

[@Christian21sam]

wow

[@phoenixrising5088]

@@Christian21sam I'm going to see Dougie in three weeks play near his home in the local Steadings a few miles from Dunkeld. Probably only about 100 people will be able to fit in to the venue. I have seen him several times and he is brilliant. Ps. I went to school with him from Primary through High School. He was very quiet and shy. I am proud of his amazing talent and careeer. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@docteursade1]

Great thanks for your posting and the comments on this song.

[@MercysNo.1]

As 2018 comes to an end, we remember those who we lost this past year. At the stroke of Midnight, we sing a song in remembrance of the fallen. We ask everyone to remove your hats as we sing Auld Lang Syne. As we sing, we hope that this song will pierce even the darkest hearts and fill them with Light.

[@idicula1979]

Let me forever grow in grace and my heart the capacity to turn away misgivings and trespass. To walk in gentle tides and darkness turned to light that I be replenished in wisdoms and grace, that I be the gentle, quite examples of preachings. Till my last breath escape me let me grow in great fullness and spirit, so that the stale and tepid escape me. Let me be the new air that I seek and when I am gone I am remembered for it, I come in that spirit let me wish a Happy new year to all, and many more begainings may our futures hold.

[@lauraleticiar]

Beautiful words

[@johnharker7194]

Something sweet about spending this new-years eve alone. I don't want to do it again, but I'm thinking clearly, and I am ready to put the past behind me.

[@Sofie2734]

john harker I’m alone amongst family today. I hope this new year is better for you

[@pablo_CFO]

I was in the Hogmanay 2014-2015 when i was 17. Definitely my most precious memory is seen the scottish people singing this. I really want to go back to those lands.

[@parasarighoshdas369]

Donno for what reason a few listeners have disliked such an age old melodious song with meaningful words.

[@angiecox8781]

Thank you for posting this beauty.

[@debee08]

Stunning version thank you. Great to see a translation but the traditional is etched on my heart.

[@laurak9122]

Listening and singing along …...HAPPY NEW YEAR.....HAPPY 2020!! Make this a great year......be kind!!!

[@leszekurbanski9741]

astoundingly moving , beatiful song _ one of my most favourite tunes

[@thegoodlydragon7452]

I didn't think much of this song until I saw the translation. Now I think it might be one of my favorites.

[@mathmusic1490]

So beautiful........the thirds in the chords on the lower end of the guitar work add to the beauty. Just awesome to hear acoustic guitar and a very nice vocal together. My friend introduced this man Dougie MacLean to me....wow...just now. Music is for when we run out of words. Music stops time..............

[@margaret3303]

My teacher told our class to listen to this song and I still remember it

[@leopoldstotch644]

I LOVE this version of this song. Here's an additional verse I wish he'd included. Should Old Acquaintance be forgot, and never thought upon; The flames of Love extinguished, and fully past and gone: Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold, that loving Breast of thine; That thou canst never once reflect On old long syne?

[@robert1foley513]

Brilliant. Tapadh leat

[@leopoldstotch644]

@@robert1foley513 I read them in Dougie MacLean's voice :) Happy New Year to you!

[@HelloJamesBond]

Beautiful

[@jcolbrych]

A blessing and the cup of kindness to you all on this New Year's Eve!

[@Quonzer]

My favorite version of this song

[@jackiecarroll8617]

I love this song even tho it makes me sad. I always cry. One of the best.

[@johnpaulgarcia6906]

This original version of the song is by far the best version imo. A look back at better days and the hope of better days ahead. 2022

[@bernitaglenn2418]

Oh my. Thank you so much for the memories this song brings.

[@nigelbarrett4091]

My first memories of Auld lang syne was at a 1958 church school party and the end of the song when we all raced into the middle in a circle of course. Rather a scary experience for a nipper like me. The Minister was the Rev. Roddy Macdonald who later translated Burns song words into Gaelic and was the last Mod Bard in 1977 which I attended as our family congratulated him in Golspie. My pal came too late from Thurso and had to sleep in a phone box !

[@juneahernauthor]

Those I've loved, gone now and with them my Scottish traditions. So many, many memories coming from Glasgow to live in San Francisco long ago now and those who kept all our history alive, gone - ma mammy and daddy, big sister - gone. My parents had a fine spread on the table along wie a wee cup of cheer for all who came by and that was their Scottish friends. Hands held, crossed over. I'll see them soon enough again but for now, for auld lang syne, I have those memories.

[@lexm9416]

A more accurate translation of 'Auld Lang Syne' is 'days long since gone'. Though not a literal translation, this is the substance of the meaning. The song was, by Burns own written account, taken down from his hearing it sung by an old man in a tavern, and re-worked by The Bard - to what extent is not known.

[@phoenixrising5088]

I always understood it to mean for old times Sake. Learned it at school and that was the English translation from old Scots. Dougie was in my class all through Primary and High School. My claim to fame.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@patriciamoore6790]

Thanks for translating it for a Scot! Wonderful performance.

[@cinzia7381]

Happy New Year to the World! May kindness and empathy bring us all closer and closer helping one another to enjoy this wonderful gift which is life! Peace and Goodness to All!

[@AureliusLaurentius1099]

Happy New Year and a new decade to everyone!

[@erinlea4767]

This makes me so proud to be Scottish

[@carsnapper]

There is actually no literal translation of the Scots word 'Syne' into the English language. 'Since' is not correct, in this context it means times gone by. The word 'Syne' can mean different things in different contexts. "Syne he wid, and syne he widnae." Sometimes he would and sometimes he would not. "Syne er we cam tae bonnie Meldrum toon." By the time we came to beautiful Meldrum town. And a whole lot of other uses! Scots is not a dialect of English but rather a language of similar construction with many different and unique words.

[@carsnapper]

Perhaps you would like to say that again in Scots? (Just to prove you are in fact Scots.)

[@arseface2k934]

JackieBear You're really helping the angry Scotsmen stereotype.

[@saml2043]

aye ....piss off

[@gaylecmful]

Exactly. Scots comes directly from our Scythian heritage. The use of t and vowel sounds (ae, for example) being prime examples. Scots is thousands of years old and not slang as colonialists would have folk believe.

[@briansim2625]

Syne is a scottish adverb it means auld lang syne if you want to try change our way of talking you can start by taking a right good fuck to yourself

[@rcnelson]

Excellent, and thank you for the original lyrics and their translation.

[@jurassicprimalgamer2457]

For anyone who doesn’t know “Auld Lang Syne” stand for “Old Times Sake”

[@a.geddes6201]

Happy New Year, Love and best wishes to you all.

[@keikoandgilly]

Happy New Years everyone! From Humble 🇬🇧, I’ll take a cup o kindness with all!

[@barkebaat]

For all my lost friends ... for all the lost boys ... cheers you buggers

[@mollymaclean9957]

Brings everyone together, Scotland is a beautiful country, my home, my life😊😢

[@rcnelson]

It's past time for Scotland to vote its independence.

[@paulinehayel]

Storm Crusade ur and its evrywhere

[@PapawR11]

The few years of the Crusades were nothing compared to over a thousand years of Islamic jihad trying to conquer Europe & now the European leaders have invited in the jihad that Islam couldn't achieve militarily & far too many in Europe willingly welcome in their own destruction. You have jihadis in their 30's claiming to be "unaccompanied minors" to gain more free stuff & weaker law enforcement against them even though you can very easily with scientific tests determine their approximate age but the authorities don't want to "offend" those they willingly invited in. You see the crowds of "immigrants" comprised of very few women & children but almost entirely of military age men who have left their women & children behind to suffer whatever fate befalls them in their home countries & then would see far more of what you actually get in rape, riots, killings & other violence IF the government would allow the media to accurately report it. Europe is already lost and Poland, Hungary & the Czech Republic are being sued by the EU courts trying to force them to accept their "fair share" of jihadis as well. They would be better off leaving the EU & entering into mutual defense agreements with Russia but it may already be too late for even that since it really is a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils. The jihadis even plainly tell the nations they are invading up front that they do not need to bring their women because we will use your women to breed more of us than you can replace your dying populations with but, apparently, they refuse to take them at their word even though they do not hide it because they plainly are proud of there goals & intentions. "Climate change", even if you believe in it, is a fart in a whirlwind compared to what the jihadis plainly state they are going to do & will accomplish long before any supposed climate change disasters can have any major effect. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWjcY3-ImMtnocU

[@TheMartyn76]

Storm Crusade what the fuck are you talking about. Idiot. Yes there are Muslims. There are also many other religions and nationalities and we like it just fine.

[@suzibee9796]

Happy 2023! May she be kind to us. 🍻

[@erielad4022]

A Most Happy New Year from Poplar Street, Erie, Pennsylvania, United States of America. God Bless the intrepid Men and Women serving our Nation everywhere and the intrepid Men and Women of our Allies serving their Nations everywhere. I pray that 2017 is a year that brings peace, understanding and cooperation amongst us over seven billion souls inhabiting Mother Earth. We should all pray, pray for the safety of our families, for our countries, for our planet, and may God protect us.

[@rcnelson]

May they be sped quickly and safely home rather than fight the endless, unnecessary wars of corrupt governments.

[@waynelynch847]

Love this beautiful rendition!

[@aungmyint147]

LOVE & SADNESS GO TOGETHER AS TIME DISAPPEARED.

[@HelloWorldOfficial]

Shit, this song is cutting some onions.

[@bookwormmaddy]

Not actually written by Robert Burns, only recorded by him which he himself said. Also there was another copy of it written 30 years before he was born!

[@annabellesinger3717]

Thanks for the lyrics and interpretation!

[@rkoorse]

I didn't realize this was a Robert Burns poem. There's another poem by him that Dougie MacLean sings, "Ae Fond Kiss." It is the most heart searing of love breakup songs. I find it it not a thing to listen to casually. In the quiet of the night when all is still, perhaps with glass in hand. And yes, it relates to one lass, happens she was an Irish woman of particular beauty but even more special spirit. Sometimes you must part.

[@waynetaylor4995]

wonderful great rendition from Dougie,in the original scottish wording !

[@kaedrys]

Happy new year!!

[@knightofarkronia8652]

Happy New Year 2022!

[@yingxiaowang7162]

simply the best version of its kind, in my humble opinion.

[@frankbrennan3336]

My favorite song ever.

[@idicula1979]

We will all be remember in what we live, and what we leave behind. Let us take what we can from our past, and build a better world for our futures, and all who stand in them.

[@joanaisabelcolltruyol3090]

The most beautiful version....I think it must be the authentic one....

[@TheKujisha]

So beautiful!

[@HerdingDogRescuer]

Nobody sings a ballad like a Celt and nobody sings this song like Dougie.

[@bms8360]

Tack vilken fin röst du har!! Viking from Sweden...go

[@benantell5452]

The song made me thing of how peaceful things were when I was a kid, compared to today's mayhem and insanity on so many levels. Have a blessed New Year folks...in the middle of it all, or should I say midst.

[@chrispeppey]

best version i have heard in a long time happy new year everyone especialy my 3 special girls

[@thomasmadden4949]

An early Happy New Year 2023 everybody.

[@pamelahunt236]

This always brings a lump to my throat, but I love it

[@christinewuerth7505]

Great song, thank you very much, a wonderful healthy blessed New Year to you all ❤️🌟❤️🍀❤️🐞❤️🌹❤️🥂❤️🙏❤️

[@timsekac6648]

Happy New year to those listening on 1-1-2021

[@jayajohn8602]

Waiting for you dear friend to share that cup of kindness un to the last

[@jamesstuartbrice420]

sehr schön. I never did understand what the title means, but the above explanation sounds reasonable. But poets do not have to be completely logical, poetry works on the heart as well as the head.

[@crypticcurls]

Interesting to see what it all means - and beautifully sung by Dougie MacLean of course!

[@calsitup]

wonderful version of Auld Lang Syne

[@Tune-O-matic]

its new years eve 2019....lets all tak a cup of needed kindness..happy new year !

[@prettygorgeous7989]

Yesss!!!

[@DaveSchultz-ce4uk]

Well done sir. Well done.

[@comradeifeanyi]

wonderful piece

[@erinlea4767]

This makes me happy to be Scottish one of the smallest countries but so well known 👍

[@paulawilliams8168]

Lovely version :-)

[@topshottapartap]

Happy New Year 2021! New year with new beginnings!!!