Auld Lang Syne
Caleb and the Caroling Caravan Lyrics

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V1
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

V2
And surely you'll buy your pint cup

and surely I'll buy mine
And we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

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

V3
So here’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give a hand of thine

And we'll take a mighty good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne" by Caleb and the Caroling Caravan capture the sentiment of reminiscing about old friendships and reflecting on the passage of time. In the first verse, the singer questions whether old acquaintances should be forgotten and left behind. The repetition of "Should old acquaintance be forgot" emphasizes the theme of memory and the importance of remembering those who have been a part of our lives. The phrase "auld lang syne" itself translates to "for old times' sake," reinforcing the idea of looking back on the past with fondness.

Moving into the second verse, the lyrics suggest a gesture of camaraderie and mutual appreciation. The exchange of buying pint cups symbolizes sharing a drink with a friend, highlighting the tradition of toasting to friendship and good times. The line "And we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne" implies that despite the passage of time, there is still room for kindness and connection in the present moment. This verse captures the spirit of celebrating the enduring bonds of friendship and shared experiences.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "for auld lang syne, my dear," emphasizing the nostalgia and sentimentality associated with remembering past experiences and relationships. The idea of taking a cup of kindness yet serves as a reminder to cherish the memories and connections that have shaped our lives. The chorus acts as a refrain that underscores the central theme of the song, which is honoring the past while looking forward to the future with a sense of gratitude.

In the final verse, the lyrics evoke a sense of camaraderie and goodwill between friends. The offering of a hand and the exchange of a "mighty good-will draught" symbolize the shared bonds and mutual respect between individuals. The mention of a "trusty friend" highlights the value of loyalty and companionship in navigating life's journey. Overall, the lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne" by Caleb and the Caroling Caravan convey a message of reflection, gratitude, and celebration of enduring friendships, making it a timeless ode to the connections that transcend time and distance.

Line by Line Meaning

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?
Is it right to forget about old friends and never remember them?

And surely you'll buy your pint cup and surely I'll buy mine
We will each buy our own drink without hesitation

And we'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne
We will share a drink as a gesture of goodwill, in memory of old times

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne
In honor of long-standing friendship, my dear, in honor of long-standing friendship

So here’s a hand my trusty friend! And give a hand of thine
Let's shake hands, my loyal friend! And extend your hand in return

And we'll take a mighty good-will draught, for auld lang syne
We'll drink to a strong bond of friendship, in memory of old times

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WALTER MURPHY, TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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