“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne ?” Is what many sing on New Years Eve, it has been a New Years Eve tradition for many years now. “Auld Lang Syne” is not an American song though; it was a Scottish song before it had ever become popular in the United States. Poet Robert Burns published the song in 1796, but takes no credit in writing it. He says it is an old traditional Scottish song.
On March 7th, 1939, Guy Lombardo and the Royal Canadians set Robert Burns’ poem to music to popularize the New Years Eve song “Auld Lang Syne.” It became such a hit after the first time they played the song that every New Years Eve they were expected to play the song.
The song became a trademark and is played on radios and televisions all over the nation of New Years Eve.