School of Rock Performs “Auld Lang Syne”

Watch School of Rock students cover “Auld Lang Syne” in the Studio

Celebrate the New Year with the School of Rock AllStars’ version of traditional New Year’s song, Auld Lang Syne.

The History of “Auld Lang Syne”

With origins traced back to the late 1700s, Auld Lang Syne is now widely associated with New Years Eve celebrations. Auld Lang Syne, pronounced aald lang zine in English, began with a poem written by the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns, in 1788. When translated literally, Auld Lang Syne means Old Long Since, but can be interpreted as “since long ago” or “for old times’ sake” for clarity. The poem references old friends sharing a drink and recalling fond memories of adventures long ago.

The accompanying melody existed prior to Burns’ poem, with a similar tune first created by English composer William Shield for his 1782 comic opera Rosina, and another version of the same melody was published in volume four of James Johnson’s Scots Musical Museum, where it appeared with different lyrics. In 1799, the tune and the poem were first paired in a Scottish song compilation by George Thomson.

Auld Lang Syne became a part of the Scottish Hogmanay, or New Year’s Celebration, in the 19th century, where it was sung while revelers stood or danced in a circle while holding hands. Though there is no exact reference to New Year’s celebrations in Robert Burns’ original poem, Auld Lang Syne became regarded as traditional New Year's music.

Auld Lang Syne was brought to North American popularity by Guy Lombardo and his band, the Royal Canadians. Beginning on December 31st, 1929, they played the song for more than 30 years in a series of radio and television broadcasts to ring in the new year, cementing Auld Lang Syne as a New Years Eve tradition.  

This classic now boasts popular versions and new spins on the Auld Lang Syne lyrics by artists such as Bobby Darin (1960), the Beach Boys (1964), Bruce Springsteen (1980), Aretha Franklin and Billy Preston (1987), Die Toten Hosen (1998), B.B. King (2001), Mariah Carey (2010), and Rod Stewart (2012).

Sing along to the Auld Lang Syne lyrics with us:

How did students prepare for this song?

The artists performing this song are members of the 2025 School of Rock AllStars—the highest level of achievement for School of Rock students. Each summer, the AllStars tour brings top students from schools around the world together for a nationwide tour across the United States.

Before this recording, many of the students had just met each other for the first time, and only had the chance to rehearse as a single band for a few days, though it certainly doesn’t show. After days of rehearsals, the students were able to work together seamlessly and deliver a rendition of this Scottish song that truly rocks.