The traditional Scottish New Year’s Eve song performed around the world at midnight is “Auld Lang Syne.” Its title is Scots for a phrase meaning roughly “old long since,” or times long past.
The words are associated with the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote down and adapted verses in 1788. The melody used today became standardized through later musical arrangements and publications. The song’s themes of friendship, remembrance, and shared experiences suit a year-ending gathering.
“Auld Lang Syne” is not Scotland’s national anthem, although it is strongly associated with Scottish culture. It also is not limited to New Year’s Eve: people may sing it at farewells, graduations, memorial occasions, and other endings.
The song spread internationally through Scottish communities, popular music, radio, and film. Pronunciations and verses can vary, and many people know only the first verse and chorus. Despite those variations, its midnight New Year association is now global.