Auld Lang Syne: The Song Behind New Year’s Eve

'Auld Lang Syne,' a song composed by Robert Burns, symbolizes nostalgia and celebrates old friendships. Traditionally sung at midnight on New Year's Eve, it marks the transition to the new year. Gaining popularity in the 20th century, especially after a 1929 performance, the song's themes of reflection and renewal resonate globally. It encourages people to cherish memories and look forward to new experiences during celebrations.

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Transcript

Greetings everyone and welcome to Mighty Line Minute! As we close out the year, we're going to speak about "Auld Lang Syne," which was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. It is one of the world's most iconic songs. The title means, Old Long Since, or For Old Time's Sake.

It reflects the song's theme of nostalgia, celebrating old friendships and memories. Robert Burns collected and adapted traditional Scottish folk tunes, and the song was inspired by a melody he had heard from an elderly woman in the Scottish lowlands. Today, it is sung traditionally to bid farewell to the old year, while ringing in the new year, especially at midnight on New Year's Eve.

Although Burns's poem was written in the early 18th century, it gained global prominence in the early 20th century when Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians performed it live during a New Year's Eve radio broadcast. This was 1929. 

This popularized the tradition of singing "Auld Lang Syne" at midnight to mark the start of the new year, a practice that spread across North America and well beyond. 

Right now you are listening to the United States Marine Band playing its outstanding version of the song. "Auld Lang Syne" appeals to universal themes of reflection and renewal.

It has become a symbol of connection, where people gather to sing, and reflect upon the passing year, while anticipating the future. Today, it is sung in many countries and transcends languages and cultures, and remains a cherished New Year's Eve tradition worldwide. Let's take a moment to reflect upon our cherished memories of friends, family, and loved ones, as we look forward to developing new friendships, relationships, and good times in the year ahead.

So, meanwhile, stay safe this New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, and cherish the times of past, and the many good times that we shall have ahead. 

Peace.