Auld Lang Syne is the song traditionally sung at midnight and was popularized by Robert Burns for New Year's celebrations.
The title is Scots for “old long since,” commonly understood as referring to times gone by or old friendships. Robert Burns sent a version of the words to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788, explaining that he had heard an older traditional song and supplied additional lines. The text asks whether old acquaintances should be forgotten.
The melody used today became strongly associated with the words during the nineteenth century. The song spread internationally through Scottish communities and later through radio, recordings, and public celebrations. It is especially linked with New Year's Eve in English-speaking countries.
It is not exclusively a New Year's song. People also sing it at farewells, graduations, memorials, and other endings. Pronunciations and verses vary, and many celebrants know only the opening lines, but the refrain remains recognizable around the world.