“Auld Lang Syne,” adapted by Robert Burns, is traditionally sung at midnight during New Year celebrations in many countries.
The title uses Scots words meaning roughly “old long since” or “for old times’ sake.” The song is based on older Scottish verses and melodies, but Burns wrote down and adapted a version in 1788. His text asks whether old acquaintances and shared memories should be forgotten.
Its association with New Year became especially strong through public celebrations and broadcasts in the twentieth century. People often sing it while linking arms or holding hands, although lyrics and melodies can differ between countries and performances.
The song is also used at farewells, graduations, memorials, and other endings, so it is not exclusively a New Year song. “Auld Lang Syne” is sometimes misremembered as entirely written by Burns; his version drew on earlier traditional material.