Auld Lang Syne ✧
A familiar farewell song with a warm dotted rhythm and a rising chorus.
Sheet music
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear it.
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D whistle · G major · 4/4 · 90 BPM · + upper octave
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Lyrics
Robert Burns · traditional Scots song
Sing the chorus after each verse. “Auld lang syne” recalls old times; Scots spelling varies between editions.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And days o’ 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.
We twa hae run about the braes, And pu’d the gowans fine; But we’ve wander’d mony a weary foot, Sin’ auld lang syne.
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.
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.
About this tune
Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song commonly sung at farewells and New Year. It looks back on friendship and shared experience across the passing years.
The verse leads into a broad, memorable chorus suited to communal singing. Its recurring phrases give a large group room to join in, even when not everyone knows every verse.
Performances
Watch musicians play this tune on tin whistle. Keys and arrangements may differ from the tabs above.
Auld Lang Syne
Ollie Rigg · Fèis Rois
Tin whistle demonstration and lesson
Watch on YouTube — Auld Lang Syne by Ollie Rigg · Fèis Rois (opens in a new tab) ↗