‘Auld Lang Syne’: A New Year’s Anthem

An 18th-century Scottish poet gave us today’s rendition of America’s most popular New Year’s Eve song.

A 1911 postcard "For Auld Lang Syne" offering wishes for a happy new year and a portrait of poet Robert Burns who is credited for penning the beloved New Year's melody, circa 1890. Public Domain

For auld lang syne, my dear For auld lang syne We'll drink a cup of kindness yet For the sake of auld lang syne

Each holiday season, people around the world sing the words to the famous Scottish folk song, “Auld Lang Syne,” as they celebrate the arrival of a new year. Its last verse, listed above, encourages fond remembrance of the past and joy for the future.

The singing of the sentimental “Auld Lang Syne” is America’s perennial New Year’s Eve musical tradition. But its creation traces back to Scotland, where a renowned 18th-century poet first penned the verses.

For ‘Old Time’s Sake’