what's auld lang syne?

Year after year, I cross over to the new year singing Auld Lang Syne, wondering, "What exactly does it mean?!"
I've always thought it had to do with forgetting the past and moving towards the new.
But turns out, it's about remembering old acquaintances and frens! Haha...

For those who have wondered the same thing, here's the English translation. :)
It's a Scottish folk song btw.

Auld Lang Syne (Old Long Past)

Chorus.
And for old long past, my joy (sweetheart),
For old long past,
We will take a cup of kindness yet,
For old long past,

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And days of old long past.

And surely you will pay for your pint-vessel!
And surely I will pay for mine!
And we will take a cup of kindness yet,
For old long past.

We two have run about the hillsides
And pulled the wild daisies fine;
But we have wandered many a weary foot
Since old long past.

We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till noon;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since old long past.

And there is a hand, my trusty friend!
And give me a hand of yours!
And we will take a right good-will drink,
For old long past.