“Auld Lang Syne” traditionally plays at midnight during New Year’s Eve celebrations in New York City’s Times Square.
The song is commonly performed immediately after the countdown reaches midnight, linking the new year with remembrance of old friends and shared experiences. Its familiar refrain makes it recognizable even when listeners do not know all the verses. The song is also used at New Year gatherings across the United States and many other countries.
The words are associated with Scottish poet Robert Burns, who sent a version to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788. The title is Scots for “old long since,” commonly understood as “for old times’ sake.” The melody used today became standardized through later musical publication and performance.
“Auld Lang Syne” is not the official national anthem of the United States or Scotland. Its New Year role is a cultural tradition, and local celebrations may add other songs before or after it.