The tradition returns in:
Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year!
It's hard to believe another year has gone by and yet... here we are. As 2023 draws to a close we reflect on how grateful we are for all of you. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Holiday Season and we look forward to welcoming in 2024 with you at Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert!
And of course... we're counting down the days! We can't wait!
Why We Sing Auld Lang Syne
Have you ever wondered why we sing Auld Lang Syne at New Year's (and at the end of every Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert)? What does the song even mean? Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish folk song that is traditionally sung on New Year's Eve. The song's origins can be traced back to the 18th century, when it was first written by Scottish poet Robert Burns. Ready to know more (and impress your friends with your trivia knowledge)? Watch the short film we made below!
Origin of Auld Lang Syne
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
Set to a traditional folk song tune, the original song was written by Robert Burns in 1788, for which he drew on previously existing lines and sentiment.
The phrase 'for auld lang syne' loosely translates from old English to: "for (the sake of) old times." The song "calls for the preservation of our oldest, dearest friendships; perhaps observed in the reflective quality of New Year's Eve itself. A time when people come together to recall past joys and sorrows, specifically those spent in each other's company." The Independent
The song became popular to sing on Hogmanay or New Year's Eve in Scotland. The custom spread quickly to the British Isles and then to the rest of the world by immigrating British, Irish, Welsh, and Scots people.
Robert Burns' portrait by
Alexander Nasmyth
Hear Auld Lang Syne
at Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert
Andrea Warren, Vice-President of Marketing at Salute to Vienna, chats with Nicholas Arnold, Senior Manager of Marketing, about the tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne at Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert.
Join to Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert and sing along with us
Burns' original Scots verse
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 jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup!
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 fiere!
and gie's a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak' a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
English translation (adapted)
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?
CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
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.
CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
CHORUS
And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand of thine!
And we'll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
CHORUS
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