Auld Lang Syne

“Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional Scottish song with words attributed to the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns, traditionally used to celebrate the start of the New Year.
In 1788 Burns restored this song based on fragments of an old ballad and adding a few verses. He said he had transcribed it from “an old man singing,” because he had been stirred by the words and in particular by the line “should old acquaintances be forgot.”

The song’s Scots title may be translated into English as “old long since”, or “old days gone by”, and the lyrics are full of sadness, longing and dreams of reconciliation,
According to the BBC it may be considered as an “international anthem and Scotland’s greatest gift to the world”.

English version

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old times past?

CHORUS:
For the sake of old times, my dear,
for the sake of old times
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for the sake of old times

We two have run about the hills,
and picked up fine daisies;
But we’ve wandered a lot, and have weary feet,
since old times.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dinner time;
But broad seas have roared between us
since old times.

And surely you’ll pay for your pint!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for the sake of old times

An here’s my hand my trusty friend!
And give us your hand!
And we’ll take a good-will drink,
for the sake of old times

As a standard in music, “Auld Lang Syne” has been recorded many times, in different versions, by several artists. Here’s Rod Stewart’s version

I tempi passati

Le vecchie conoscenze dovrebbero essere dimenticate
e mai più ricordate?
Le vecchie conoscenze dovrebbero essere dimenticate
così come i tempi passati?

Ai bei vecchi tempi, mio caro
ai bei vecchi tempi
alzeremo ancora una coppa di gentilezza,
ai bei tempi passati

Noi due abbiamo corso per le colline
e raccolto belle margherite;
ma abbiamo vagato molto e abbiamo i piedi stanchi,
fin dai tempi passati.

Noi due abbiamo remato nel torrente,
dal primo sole fino all’ora di cena;
ma ampi mari hanno ruggito tra di noi
fin dai tempi passati.

E sicuramente tu pagherai per la tua pinta!
e sicuramente io mi comprerò la mia!
Alzeremo ancora una coppa di gentilezza
ai bei tempi passati

Ed ecco la mia mano, mio fidato amico!
E tu dammi la tua mano!
E faremo un brindisi di gratitudine
ai bei vecchi tempi passati