An old Scottish song first transcribed and published by poet Robert Burns in 1796, "Auld Lang Syne" literally translates as "old long since" and means "time goes by". The song asks whether old friends and old times will be forgotten, and promises to remember the past with kindness. "Auld Lang Syne" became a tradition in North America when the famous dance band, Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians, played the song at the 1929 New Year's Eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. It's been called the most popular song that no one knows the words to:

Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,

We'll take a cup o' kindness yet for auld lang syne.