Auld Lang Syne Auld Lang Syne "Auld Lang Syne" (: note "s" rather than "z") is a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song (Roud # 6294). It is well known in many countries, especially in the English-speaking world, its traditional use being to bid farewell to the old year at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. By extension, it is also sung at funerals, graduations, and as a farewell or ending to other occasions. The international Scouting movement in many countries uses it to close jamborees and other functions.
Ellisland Farm Friars' Carse, Burns agreed to write a poem in exchange for the author including Kirk Alloway in his new book on Scottish Antiquities. Burns's poem was his self-avowed masterpiece "Tam o'Shanter", sent to Francis Grose on 1 December 1790; appearing in "The Edinburgh Magazine" in March 1791 and in Grose's second volume of his Antiquities a month later. Burns's Auld Lang Syne was written at Ellisland, the first version being sent to Mrs Dunlop on 17 December 1788. Burns said in a letter to Mrs Dunlop: " ... is not the Scotch phrase Auld lang syne exceedingly expressive? There is