Auld Lang Syne is the traditional Scottish New Year song often sung immediately after midnight.
The song uses words associated with the Scottish poet Robert Burns and a traditional melody. Its title is commonly translated as “old long since” or “for old times’ sake.” The lyrics ask whether old acquaintances should be forgotten, then celebrate friendship and shared memories.
The song became widely associated with New Year celebrations through Scottish and wider British social traditions. It later spread internationally, especially through diaspora communities and recordings. People commonly join hands in a circle during the final verse, although performance customs vary.
Auld Lang Syne is not exclusively a New Year song. It can also be used at farewells, graduations, memorial occasions, and other moments marking an ending. The title is sometimes misspelled “Old Lang Syne,” but the canonical Scottish form is Auld Lang Syne.