The origins of 'Old Lang Syne' and its association with New Year's Eve

The podcast explores the origins and meaning of the song 'Old Lang Syne' and its connection to New Year's Eve celebrations. The song originated in Scotland and was written by Robert Burns in 1788 as an effort to preserve Scottish traditions. It became popular in the US and was often sung at New Year's Eve parties, but it wasn't synonymous with the dropping of the ball in Times Square. The podcast credits Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo for popularizing the song in the US, as his band played it at the Roosevelt Grill in Manhattan starting in 1929. Another theory suggests that Charlie Chaplin's 1925 film 'The Gold Rush' contributed to the song's popularity by featuring a memorable New Year's Eve scene accompanied by the song.