Auld Lang Syne is traditionally played at midnight during New Year's Eve celebrations in the United States.
The song uses words associated with the Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote down and adapted a version in 1788. Its title is Scots and is commonly understood as referring to old times or long-standing friendship. The melody became internationally familiar through later musical arrangements and performance traditions.
In the United States, people often sing it immediately after the countdown and midnight kiss. The song is not exclusively American: it is used in New Year celebrations in many countries, with lyrics and performance styles varying by language and culture. Its association with midnight is traditional rather than a requirement of every celebration.