Robert Burns wrote down “Auld Lang Syne” in 1788, and the song later became a New Year's Eve standard.
Burns sent the lyrics to the Scots Musical Museum, describing the song as an old one and supplying material that drew on earlier traditional verses. The familiar title means “old long since,” a phrase about remembered times and old friendship.
Its New Year's association developed gradually rather than beginning with Burns's manuscript. In the 20th century, performances by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians helped make the song a standard part of midnight celebrations in North America.
The song is not exclusively a New Year's song. It is also used at farewells, funerals, graduations, and other moments of parting or remembrance. Different performances may use shortened verses or slightly different lyrics.