Robert Burns wrote the familiar words of “Auld Lang Syne,” the New Year's Eve standard.
Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist born in 1759. He sent the song's text to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788, describing it as an old song and adding verses based on traditional material. The best-known opening asks whether old acquaintances should be forgotten and then turns toward shared memories and friendship.
Burns did not invent every element associated with the song. Earlier Scottish fragments and a pre-existing melody contributed to the version that became internationally famous. His role was to shape and preserve the words that modern audiences usually sing.
Burns Night, held on January 25, celebrates the poet's birthday and is separate from New Year's Eve. The same song can appear at both occasions, but the holiday honoring Burns is not the source of the midnight countdown tradition.