Robert Burns is credited with collecting and publishing the best-known version of “Auld Lang Syne.”
The Scottish poet sent a version of the song to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788. Burns described it as an old song and supplied words that helped establish the form now widely sung at New Year's celebrations. The title is Scots for “old long since,” or more naturally, “for old times' sake.”
The melody and wording developed through earlier Scottish traditions, so Burns did not invent every element from nothing. His contribution was preserving, reshaping, and popularizing a memorable version. The song asks whether old friendships and shared memories should be forgotten, then answers with a shared toast.
Although strongly associated with midnight on December 31, “Auld Lang Syne” is also performed at graduations, funerals, retirements, and farewells. Its international popularity comes from its simple theme of remembering people and experiences from the past.