The Scotch «auld lang syne» is translated in English as «old long-since». This rhyme is written by Burns in 1788 by influence of Scotch folk songs of 17-18 centuries and it has several features like in earlier Scotch poesy (see The Burns Encyclopedia). In Scotland this song is still used as a drinking-song, it is pleasurably singed by people, who are celebrated something. Here you can listen its traditional music accompaniment (MIDI file auldlang.mid). In the course of time, in all Great Britain this song has become more ceremonial. Traditionally it is performed in New Year eve and is counted the New Year's greetings in all English-speaking countries, being remembered the Good Old England; also it is performed at Burns' birthday (January 25). The melody has changed accordingly: it has become more rhythmic, and the national Scotch tunes become less pronounced (MIDI file auldlang2.mid).
The text is followed the source: The Oxford Book of English Verse. It is very popular among the English-speaking Net, where exists in different versions, more often in modern arrangement. For performance by musical accompaniment there exists the note record, the guitar accords are also known.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to min'?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o' lang syne?
We twa hae rin about the braes,
And pou'd the gowans fine;
But we've wander'd monie a weary fit
Sin' auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl't i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
And here '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!
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne.
My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer —
A-chasing the wild deer, and following the roe;
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go.
Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North —
The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth;
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.
Farewell to the mountains high cover'd with snow;
Farewell to the straths and green valleys below;
Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods;
Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods.
My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer —
Chasing the wild deer, and following the roe;
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go.