“Auld Lang Syne,” traditionally sung at midnight in many English-speaking countries, was written to a poem by Robert Burns.
The title is Scots and is often translated as “old long since” or “for old times' sake.” Burns sent a version of the poem to the Scots Musical Museum in 1788, but the words were set to a melody that became standardized through later musical publication and performance.
The song's themes explain its New Year's association. Its verses ask whether old acquaintances and shared memories should be forgotten, making it suitable for a moment that looks backward at the departing year while welcoming the next one.
The melody and lyrics are not always performed in full. In many celebrations, singers know only the opening verse and refrain, and the song may be used at farewells or other commemorative occasions as well as New Year's Eve.