The traditional song for ringing in the New Year in almost every English-speaking country in the world is 'Auld Lang Syne'. This song is generally credited to Robert Burns, but earlier versions of this ballad precede his time. Burns combined a common Scottish folk song with his own lyrics to arrive at this version. The song reminisces about friendship of long ago, so just before midnight on New Year's eve, gather your guests together, and sing the following words as you remember the good memories of the past.

To ensure everyone gets it right, either distribute photocopies to each guest, or print it out in large letters on art card and display it for all to read.

As written below by Burns, it should make for interesting "interpretation" if there is no-one present from Scotland to help, particularly after some liquid cheer, but if that's too much to ask, then sing the English translation, also below.

AULD LANG SYNE

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And 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!

We twa hae run about the braes,

And pu'd the gowans fine,

But we've wander'd mony a weary fit

Sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl't in the burn

Frae morning sun till dine,

But seas between us braid hae roar'd

Sin auld lang syne.

And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,

And gie's a hand o' thine,

And we'll tak a right guid willie-waught

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!

By Robert Burns

TranslatioB>

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And days of long ago!

Chor

For old long ago, my dear

For old long ago,

We will take a cup of kindness yet

For old long ago.

We two have run about the hillsides

And pulled the daisies fine,

But we have wandered many a weary foot

For old long ago.

We two have paddled (waded) in the stream

From noon until dinner time,

But seas between us broad have roared

Since old long ago.

And there is a hand, my trusty friend,

And give us a hand of yours,

And we will take a goodwill draught (of ale)

For old long ago!

And surely you will pay for your pint,

And surely I will pay for mine!

And we will take a cup of kindness yet

For old long ago!