Ramsay's "Auld Lang Syne"

Allan Ramsay
(1686–1758)

"Auld Lang Syne"

The Hive: A Collection of the Most Celebrated Songs
London: Printed for J[ohn] Walthoe, Jr., 1724

James Fuld Music Collection, 2008

Item description: 

Yet another song beginning Should auld acquaintance be forgot appeared in print before Burns adopted the familiar line. Poet Allan Ramsay, whose passion for Scottish folk tradition inspired Burns, published this version in 1724. While the tone approaches the bittersweet nostalgia we now associate with "Auld Lang Syne," it is not surprising that Burns's graceful rendering outlasted Ramsay's stilted lines: Methinks around us on each bough a thousand Cupids play, whilst thro' the groves I walk with you, each object makes me gay.