In the United States, “Auld Lang Syne” traditionally follows the midnight countdown at many New Year's Eve celebrations.
The song uses words adapted from a Scots poem associated with Robert Burns, who wrote down and published a version in 1788. Its title is Scots for “old long since,” conveying the idea of remembering old times and friendships.
The melody became widely known in English-speaking countries during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians helped cement its New Year's association in the United States through annual radio and television broadcasts from New York.
The song is not exclusively American or limited to New Year's Eve. It is also used at farewells, graduations, memorial occasions, and other moments of transition. Lyrics and verses vary, so many public performances use only the familiar opening section.