Understanding origin of New Year's Eve classic 'Auld Lang Syne'

Bandleader Guy Lombardo poses with New Year's decorations in this 1976 file photo. The famed orchestra leader's rendition of "Auld Lang Syne" became a holiday mainstay. (AP Photo)

LOS ANGELES -- Singing "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's Eve is a tradition, but not everyone knows what those words mean and where the song came from.

Scottish poet Robert Burns is credited with writing the lyrics in 1788.

The song is about remembering friends and not letting them be forgotten.

Auld Lang Syne has come to mean old time's sake.

Its popularity in America is likely thanks to bandleader Guy Lombardo. Lombardo's orchestra played the song on his radio and TV shows for almost 50 years.