The history of the Times Square balldrop began with a fireworks display on New Year's Eve 1904 when the New York Times opened its new offices on 42nd Street. The tradition of the balldrop would begin four years later in 1908 in what was now known as Times Square.

At 11:59 p.m. the six ton Waterford Crystal ball begins it's 60 second journey to ring in the New Year. Millions will gather in Times Square...millions more will watch the event on television. What most will have in common is the singing of Auld Lang Syne.

Auld Lang Syne is an old traditional Scots poem attributed to Robert Burns in 1788. A similar poem, Old Long Syne by James Watson uses the same first verse and was written in 1711.

The popularity of the song in North America can be attributed to Guy Lombardo and The Royal Canadians who would perform the standard in radio broadcasts from 1929 to his death in 1976. Guy Lombardos recording of Auld Lang Syne is still the first song of the year played in Times Square.


Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

    For auld lang syne, my dear,
    for auld lang syne,
    we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
    for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

    For auld lang syne, my dear,
    for auld lang syne,
    we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
    for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

    For auld lang syne, my dear,
    for auld lang syne,
    we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
    for auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

    For auld lang syne, my dear,
    for auld lang syne,
    we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
    for auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

    For auld lang syne, my dear,
    for auld lang syne,
    we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
    for auld lang syne.

- Robert Burns