“Auld Lang Syne” is the song traditionally played at the stroke of midnight at parties, festivals and gatherings across the United States. In fact, it is the preferred song for most of the English-speaking world on New Year’s Eve. Many people know the words and the music, but have no idea what the song actually means. If you want to recapture some of the meaning of the song, spend some time learning about its history and what the lyrics actually mean.

The song actually comes from a poem by Robert Burns, the great Scottish poet, although many argue that earlier versions of the ballad have existed for much longer. The story is that the song was gathered by Burns from an old man, moving the song from an oral tradition to a written one. It is sung to a traditional melody with a mournful air at New Year’s and ceremonies that mark the endings of other things, like graduations, funerals and farewell parties.

The title of the song can literally be translated as “old long since,” although a more reasonable translation would be “long, long ago” or even “once upon a time.” The song actually opens with a question, which most people don’t know, asking if old days and old acquaintances should be forgotten. Most people understand the song to be a call to remember old friendships while moving forward into the New Year. There are several verses, but often only the chorus and first two verses are sung. Aside from the title, the most famous line is probably in the chorus when everyone sings, “We’ll take a cup of kindness, for old long ago.” This toast to tradition reaffirms its importance in the New Year.

If you want to sing “Auld Lang Syne” with your friends and family on New Year’s, have the lyrics printed on sheets of paper and hand it out just before midnight. Have a musical recording ready to go at the moment. If you really want to make things fancy, have the lyrics printed on celebratory paper with an explanation on the back and send them home with your guests as party favors. They’ll remember your party for the whole year and they will certainly remember the meaning of the song.