The Scottish song commonly sung at midnight on New Year's Eve is “Auld Lang Syne,” traditionally associated with Robert Burns.
Burns wrote down and adapted the song in 1788, drawing on older Scottish words and melodies. The title means “old long since,” commonly understood in context as “for old times' sake.” Its lyrics ask whether old friends and familiar memories should be forgotten, making it especially suited to a year-end moment of remembrance and reunion.
The tune spread far beyond Scotland through printed music, performances, and social traditions. It became closely linked with New Year's celebrations in English-speaking countries, especially during the twentieth century. The song is also used at farewells, graduations, memorials, and other transitions.
A common misconception is that Burns composed every element from nothing. He is credited with preserving and shaping the best-known version, but the song incorporates older traditional material. Pronunciations and verses can vary, while the familiar chorus remains the defining feature of midnight performances.