Robert Burns wrote the 1788 version of “Auld Lang Syne,” the song widely sung at New Year's Eve celebrations.
Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist whose work helped establish Scots-language literature as an important part of Scotland's cultural identity. He was born in 1759 and died in 1796, but his poems remained widely read and performed long after his death.
Burns recorded and adapted older oral material for “Auld Lang Syne.” In a letter, he described the song as an old song and tune, showing that the familiar work developed from existing Scottish tradition rather than appearing entirely new in 1788. His version helped preserve and popularize the words.
The song's international New Year's association grew much later. In North America, bandleader Guy Lombardo's broadcasts made it a regular part of the midnight celebration. Burns is also commemorated annually at Burns suppers, usually held around his January 25 birthday.