In American culture, we have heard “Auld Lang Syne” at the top of every year. Following traditional New Year’s Eve celebrations, the song plays and is sung everywhere once the ball drops at midnight. To many, “Auld Lang Syne” is simply known as the New Year’s Eve song, but where did it actually come from?
The Origin of “Auld Lang Syne”
A Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne” literally translates to “Old Long Since” in English and is interpreted as “for old times’ sake.” It reflects on nostalgia, long-standing friendships, and shared memories as everyone bids farewell to the previous year. Though associated with New Year’s celebrations, the song is also performed at graduations, funerals, and other farewells, symbolizing closure. The original version of “Auld Lang Syne” appeared in a 1568 manuscript known as the Bannatyne Manuscript. In a ballad titled “Auld Kyndnes Foryett,” this version featured a less nostalgic meaning than the modern interpretation.
In 1788, “Auld Lang Syne’s” lyrics, as we recognize them today, were written by Scottish poet Robert Burns. Though he acknowledged he was adapting an older folk song, his version was first published in 1796. The song’s melody used today was first combined with Burns’s lyrics in 1799. This was featured in a Scottish song collection edited by George Thomson.
Who Was Robert Burns?
Burns was a Scottish lyricist and poet. Born in Alloway, Ayrshire, Burns rose to prominence with Poems (1786). This was his first major publication. His works, written in both Scottish and English, celebrate equality, love and nature. Considered a pioneer of Romanticism, Burns also influenced many poets, including Samuel Taylor Coleridge. At the age of 37, Burns passed away from rheumatic fever. Despite his short life, his legacy endures worldwide.
Susan Boyle’s Folk Version
Through the years, many notable artists from Mariah Carey to Jennifer Hudson have created their own popular versions of the song. These artists also include Scottish songstress Susan Boyle. With her powerful mezzo-soprano voice, Boyle brought “Auld Lang Syne” to life once again. Released in 2010, Boyle’s version was produced by David Arch and Steve Mac.
The Legacy of “Auld Lang Syne”
Performing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight began as a tradition in Scotland. It became a big part of Hogmanay, which is how people in Scotland celebrate the new year. During Hogmanay, people would come together in circles, hold hands, and reflect on the past year. The sentimental song became essential around the world thanks to Canadian bandleader Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadian Big Band. In the United States, the song was first played on December 31, 1929.
For many years, they performed the song every New Year’s Eve on radio and TV until 1976. The overwhelming media attention made “Auld Lang Syne” the most popular song for New Year’s Eve in North America and other parts of the world. Today, it still reigns supreme and continues to grow in popularity over time.
