What the hell DOES "Auld Lang Syne" actually MEAN???

Auld Lang Syne

We sing it every year (well, the first verse, anyway) at the stroke of midnight of the New Year. But what, exactly, does the Scots poem written by Robert Burns (just make sure you r-r-roll your R-r-r-r's when you say his name: "R-r-r-robert Bur-r-r-rns") and set to the tune of a traditional folk song actually mean?

I'm so glad you asked...

Auld Lang Syne

Lyrics 

by Robert Burns (1788)

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And days of auld lang syne?

Chorus: 

For auld lang syne, my dear,

For auld lang syne,

We'll take 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!

~~~

Translation

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And days of long ago!

Chorus:

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!