Let’s uncover the history, meaning, and music of “Auld Lang Syne” and listen to several famous versions in this easy lesson plan. The catchy tune is a must-know as New Year’s Eve turns into New Year’s Day, as we look back on the old year and look forward to the new.
In this lesson plan…
The Epic History of Auld Lang Syne
Scottish Vibes
Picture this: It’s the 1700s in Scotland, and a super famous poet named Robert Burns is on the scene. He whips up the lyrics for “Auld Lang Syne,” meaning “old long since” or days gone by. Fast forward, and the song becomes a global sensation, making its way into celebrations worldwide.
Meet Robert Burns, the Poetry Rockstar
Robert Burns, aka the Bard of Scotland, wrote the lyrics in 1788. He was all about celebrating Scottish culture and creating poetic magic. Now, his masterpiece, “Auld Lang Syne,” is a song sung around the world!
The Feel-Good Meaning of Auld Lang Syne
Nostalgia Alert!
Ready to look back on good times? “Auld Lang Syne” is like a musical scrapbook, making us look back at good times with pals. It’s all about valuing memories and celebrating the awesome experiences that shaped us.
Friendship Rocks!
Guess what? The heart of the song is all about friendship. “Auld Lang Syne” tells us to raise our cup in a toast to the awesome connections and people in our lives.
Sing-Along with Auld Lang Syne
Echo Sing the Song
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne my dear
For old lang syne.
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet
For auld lang syne.
Let’s Break Down the Lyrics
The lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne” are like a friendship party.
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?”
This means, should old friends be forgotten and never remembered? And the answer is-No Way! The song says we’re keeping those memories alive.
“Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?”
Auld Lang Syne means “days gone by.”
“For auld lang syne my dear, for auld lang syne.”
This just repeats how import the past is to us.
“We’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for days of auld lang syne.”
The song wraps up with a cheer for kindness and the friends of our past.
Let’s Sing & Move
Let’s continue this lesson plan by singing along with some famous performers!
Snoopy and the Gang
Jon Batiste & Stay Human
Body Percussion (Grades 3-5)
Great body percussion video with a spot to have 3-part. Highly recommend pulling back the playback to .75.
Pentatonix
Pink Martini (sung in English, Arabic, French)
Let’s Play It!
Play the chords on ukulele or the bass line (root of chords) on Boomwhackers™️.
