“Auld Lang Syne,” a song associated with Robert Burns, is traditionally sung at New Year’s Eve celebrations. Its title is Scots for “old long since,” commonly understood as referring to times gone by or old friendships.
Burns sent a version of the poem to a Scottish musical publisher in 1788, noting that some of its words were older than his own composition. The familiar melody became associated with the song through later musical arrangements and publication. Although Burns is credited with the best-known text, the work draws on earlier Scots material.
The song is commonly performed at midnight, often with people joining hands in a circle. Its themes of memory, friendship and shared experience suit the transition from one year to the next.
It is not exclusively Scottish today. English-speaking communities and many international celebrations use it, sometimes with shortened or varied lyrics. The phrase “for auld lang syne” refers to remembering old times rather than naming a place or a person.