Robert Burns is traditionally credited with writing the words to “Auld Lang Syne,” a song widely sung at New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Burns wrote down and adapted the Scots song in 1788, preserving older lines and adding material associated with Scottish oral tradition. The title means “old long since,” or more naturally, “for old times’ sake.”
The melody commonly used today became established later, and arrangements helped the song spread far beyond Scotland. Its words ask whether old friendships and shared memories should be forgotten, making it especially suited to a year-ending ritual.
“Auld Lang Syne” is not exclusively a New Year’s song. It is also used at farewells, graduations, memorials, and other occasions marking transition, though midnight on December 31 remains its best-known setting.