Auld Lang Syne Performance Video | Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Pipe In The New Year

“Should old acquaintance be forgot” will be sung by more than 100 million people tonight as 2011 draws to a close and 2012 is ushered in by people from all walks of life all around the world.

This version of Auld Lang Syne is performed by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, with scenes of Scotland on display as the pipers play. But what the hell is the significance of Auld Lang Syne?

It’s a song compiled by Robert Burns based on an ancient poem more than 400 years old. It was put to music and then taken around the world by Scottish traders, noticeably first to Canada and then across North America.

To be honest I probably look this up every year and then promptly forget what I learned within a week or two. But still. Happy New Year!