Auld Lang Syne
Sinatra Frank & Dean Martin Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And days of auld land syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne
We'll take a cup of kindness yet,

For auld lang syne

So long, it's been good to know you
So long, it's been good to know you

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne

We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Auld Lang Syne" are reflective, nostalgic, and melancholic, as the singer ponders over old times, past relationships, and the meaning of friendship. The phrase "auld lang syne," meaning "old long since" or "times gone by," sets the tone for the song, which is characterized by a sense of bittersweet loss and the determination to keep memories alive.

The first few lines of the song present a question: should old acquaintances be forgotten and left behind? The singer is grappling with the idea of whether or not to let go of old relationships or hold onto them. The repetition of the phrase "auld lang syne" reinforces the sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past. The second half of the song shifts to a more optimistic note, as the singer decides to celebrate old times and take a cup of kindness with friends. The final lines of the song are a farewell, expressing gratitude for the memories and experiences shared, and acknowledging that it's time to move on from the past.

Overall, "Auld Lang Syne" is a poignant reflection on the transience of life and the importance of cherishing relationships and memories.

Line by Line Meaning

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
Should we forget about the people we used to know?

And never brought to mind?
Is it okay if we never think about them again?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
Should we forget about the people we used to know?

And days of auld lang syne?
Should we forget about the good old times we shared?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
Let's drink to the good times we shared, my friend

For auld lang syne
Let's drink to the good old times

We'll take a cup of kindness yet,
We'll continue to be kind to each other

For auld lang syne
Let's drink to the good old times

So long, it's been good to know you
Goodbye, it was nice knowing you

For auld lang syne, my dear,
Let's drink to the good times we shared, my friend