Robert Burns (1759 - 1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist. Widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, Burns’ poetry is celebrated worldwide. He is regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic Movement; and after his death became a great source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. A cultural icon in Scotland and among the Scottish Diaspora around the world, celebration of his life and work became almost a national charismatic cult during the 19th and 20th centuries. Burns’ poem and song Auld Lang Syne is often sung at Hogmany (New Years Eve).

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind,
Should auld acquaintance be forgot.
And days o’ auld lang syne!

Chorus - 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!
And surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak a cup o’kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

Chorus

We twa hae run about the braes,
And pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
Sin’ auld lang syne.

Chorus

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
Frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
Sin’ auld lang syne.

Chorus

And there’s a hand, my trusty fere!
And gie’s a hand o’thine!
And we’ll tak a right gude - willie waught,
For auld lang syne.

Chorus