Auld Lang Syne is the song traditionally sung at New Year’s Eve in Scotland and in many other countries. Its Scots title means “old long since,” broadly referring to times long past, old friendships, and remembrance.
The words are based largely on a poem published by Robert Burns in 1788, although Burns drew on older Scottish song and verse traditions. The familiar melody became standardized through later musical arrangements and helped the song spread internationally.
People often assume it is exclusively a Scottish national anthem, but it is better understood as a widely shared farewell and reunion song. Its use is especially strong at midnight on December 31, when groups join hands or raise glasses while singing the repeated chorus.