Why we're all lost for words at Hogmanay

Everyone knows the tune. But the rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne in the first seconds of the new year disguises a deeper problem for revellers.

It is that hardly anyone knows most of the other words.

Most can manage the opening line, Should auld acquaintance be forgot. But from there, the majority simply mumble and bluff their way to the end.

Only 6 per cent of people can confidently sing the Hogmanay favourite, a Teletext survey shows.

The meaning of the words being sung is equally elusive. Four-fifths of those surveyed admitted they did not realise that Auld Lang Syne refers to "times gone by".

Most thought it meant "old friends" or even "happy new year" in Gaelic.

In Scotland, where the song originated, 87 per cent said they knew the words and 45 per cent understood what they meant.

Teletext is printing the full lyrics on its TV information service in the hope that revellers might decide to be more precise with their performance this year.

Editor in chief John Sage said: "Auld Lang Syne is one of those songs that only get sung once a year, but that is no excuse for mumbling and humming along."

So here it is:

Should auld acquaintance be forgot

And never brought to mind

Should auld acquaintaince be forgot

And auld 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 you'll be your pint stowp

And surely I'll be mine,

And we'll drink a richt guid willy waught

For auld lang syne.

[chorus] We twa hae run aboot the braes

And pu'd the gowans fine,

But we've wandered monie a wearie fit'

Since auld lang syne.

[chorus] We twa hae paidled in the burn

Frae morning sun till dine

But seas a'tween us braid hae roared

Since auld lang syne [chorus]

And here's a hand my trusty fere

And gie's a hand o' thine

And we'll tak' a cup o' kindness yet

For auld lang syne.

[chorus]

Words: Robert Burns