Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns
The speaker asks whether old acquaintances and shared former times should be forgotten, answering with a call to remember them through a cup of kindness. Two friends recall running over the braes, gathering gowans, and paddling in the burn from morning until dinner. Though they have since travelled weary paths and broad seas have roared between them, they meet in friendship, clasp hands, and drink together in good will for auld lang syne.
By Robert Burns · First published 1796 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Folk Song, Scottish Vernacular Poetry · 266 words
First lines
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 dear, / For auld lang syne. / We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet, / 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, &c.
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. / For auld, &c.
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is a short, songlike poem expressing personal and communal emotion through refrain, rhythm, and condensed imagery.
- Folk Song — Its repeating chorus, simple communal language, themes of fellowship, and traditional musical form make it a quintessential folk song.
- Scottish Vernacular Poetry — Burns writes substantially in Scots dialect, using words such as 'braes,' 'gowans,' 'burn,' and 'gude-willie waught' to root the poem in Scottish speech and culture.
- Sentimental Poetry — The poem centers on affectionate remembrance, enduring friendship, separation, and the emotional value of shared history.
Tags
friendship · remembrance · nostalgia · old acquaintances · shared past · reunion · parting · distance · time · loyalty · goodwill · companionship
What this Textopian page supports
Auld Lang Syne is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Burns, dated 1796 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Burns
- Date: 1796 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Folk Song, Scottish Vernacular Poetry, Sentimental Poetry, Nostalgic Poetry
- Length: 266 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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