Who wrote the words of the song commonly sung as “Auld Lang Syne”?

Robert Burns wrote the words of the song commonly sung as “Auld Lang Syne.”

Burns, Scotland's national poet, wrote down and adapted the lyrics in 1788. The Scots phrase “auld lang syne” means roughly “old long since” or “for old times' sake.” The song reflects on friendship, shared memories, and the passage of time, which helped make it suitable for farewells and New Year's gatherings.

Burns's text was set to a traditional melody. The tune used most widely today became standardized through later musical publication and performance, so the song is not simply a modern composition by Burns alone. Versions of the wording and melody can differ by country.

Although strongly associated with midnight on New Year's Eve in English-speaking countries, “Auld Lang Syne” is also sung at reunions, memorials, graduations, and other moments of departure or remembrance.