Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote the lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne,” the song commonly sung at midnight on New Year's Eve.
Burns sent a version of the song to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788, describing it as an old song. The phrase “auld lang syne” means approximately “old long since” or “for old times' sake.” Burns likely preserved and reshaped traditional Scottish material rather than inventing every line from scratch.
The melody associated with the song became widely known in the nineteenth century. In the twentieth century, bandleader Guy Lombardo helped establish its strong association with New Year's celebrations in North America through annual broadcasts.
The song is not exclusively a New Year's song. It is also used at farewells, reunions, graduations, and other moments involving remembrance or parting.