Auld Lang Syne

"Auld Lang Syne" (Scots pronunciation: [ˈɔːl(d) lɑŋˈsəin]: note "s" rather than "z")[1] is a Scots
poem written by Robert Burns in 1788[2][3] and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud #
6294). It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its
traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight. By extension, it is
also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The
international Scouting movement, in many countries, uses it to close jamborees and other
functions.[4]

The song's Scots title may be translated into standard English as "old long since", or more
idiomatically, "long long ago",[5] "days gone by" or "old times". Consequently, "For auld lang
syne", as it appears in the first line of the chorus, might be loosely translated as "for (the sake of)
old times".

n a nutshell, “Auld Lang Syne,” is basically about remembering friends from the past. That’s it really, the
rest is a nice rhyming scheme with a lot of fun Scottish words thrown in for good measure (see what I
did there). But the crux of the song and why it work so well for the end of the year is that when good
people come and go in your life, it is worth it to take a moment of time, raise a glass and remember
those that should never be forgotten.

Rhyme Scheme and Rhetorical Devices: Each of the 5 stanzas, as well as the chorus, of this
song follows the same simple rhyme scheme – ABCB.

In the chorus, as well as the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th stanzas, the poet uses the device of apostrophe.
This rhetorical device is used when a poet addresses his or her poem to an absent or silent
audience. Here the poet speaks directly to his old friend and recounts their childhood adventures,
but we never see the friend at any point in the poem.

In the chorus, the 2nd stanza and the 5th stanza, the poet uses the device of metaphor. This rhetorical
device is used when a covert comparison is made between two different things or ideas. In the chorus
and the 2nd stanza, he compares alcohol with kindness, and in the 5th stanza, he compares a sip of
alcohol with good-will.

Theme of Auld Lang Syne

Song of farewell: In this song, there are a number of clues that the poet is actually bidding
goodbye to an old friend. In the 3rd stanza, he says that he and his friend are separated by seas,
that is, they reside in different places. In the 5th stanza, they shake hands as if they are about to
part. That is why this song is interpreted to be primarily a song of farewell. In addition to New
Year’s Eve, the song is also sung at graduations (when students are leaving their alma mater) and
at funerals (when the deceased is leaving behind his loved ones to journey to heaven).