In the song “Auld Lang Syne,” what does the Scottish title mean?

The Scottish title “Auld Lang Syne” means “old long since,” commonly understood as “for old times’ sake.”

The song is based on a poem published by Robert Burns in 1788, although Burns said he had collected and adapted traditional material. Its title uses Scots words: “auld” means old, “lang” means long, and “syne” means since or formerly. Together, the phrase refers to remembered times in the past.

The melody and lyrics became associated with farewells, reunions and the start of a new year. English-speaking communities around the world often sing it immediately after midnight on December 31, though it is also used at graduations and other departures.

The song is not literally a New Year's anthem in its original wording. Its themes are friendship, remembrance and shared experiences. Different versions may vary slightly in lyrics, but the familiar refrain preserves the central idea of remembering old acquaintances.