Matthew Fitt uses the phrase “In the days of auld lang syne” as the equivalent of “Once upon a time…” in his retelling of fairy tales in the Scots language.

The phrase “Auld Lang Syne” is also used in similar poems by Robert Ayton (1570–1638), Allan Ramsay (1686–1757), and James Watson (1711) as well as older folk songs predating Burns. 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”. Traditional Music Words by Robert Burns VERSE 1 C Am O. May, 1786 Holy Willie’s Prayer John Anderson my Jo Mary Morison Poor Mailie’s Elegy Scots Wha Hae, or, Robert Bruce’s Address to His Troops at Bannockburn Tam o’ Shanter. If your screen is smaller than this, you may be able to view the lyrics better in landscape orientation. The song’s Scots title may be translated into standard English as “old long since”, or more idiomatically, “long long ago”, “days gone by” or “old times”. Robert Burns Poems A Sonnet upon Sonnets To a Mouse A Red, Red Rose Address to the Deil Epistle to a Young Friend. The international Scouting movement, in many countries, uses it to close jamborees and other functions. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions.

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 on New Year’s Eve. (Image: Getty) Known to be a lover of the Lassies, Burns poured a little of his romantic spirit into this beautiful poem. May, 1786 Holy Willie’s Prayer John Anderson my Jo Mary Morison Poor Mailie’s Elegy Scots Wha Hae, or, Robert Bruce’s Address to His Troops at Bannockburn Tam o’ Shanter. “Auld Lang Syne” is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song. An actor dressed as Robert Burns gives out a red, red rose. Robert Burns Print Poem A Sonnet upon Sonnets To a Mouse A Red, Red Rose Address to the Deil Epistle to a Young Friend.

Robbie burns red red rose