Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote the poem that became the basis for “Auld Lang Syne,” a New Year's Eve song.
Burns sent a version of “Auld Lang Syne” to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788, describing it as an old song and noting that its words had been suggested by an older song. His contribution helped preserve and popularize the text now associated with farewell gatherings and New Year's celebrations.
The phrase “auld lang syne” is Scots for something like “old long since,” meaning times gone by or old times' sake. The poem asks whether old acquaintances and shared memories should be forgotten, then imagines friends raising a cup and joining hands.
Burns did not invent every element of the song from nothing, and the familiar tune has its own transmission history. Even so, he is the canonical poet credited with the version that became internationally famous. He is celebrated in Scotland on Burns Night each January 25.