Which hard working, hard drinking 18th century Scottish poet wrote the lyrics to the songs as "Coming Through the Rye" and "Auld Lang Syne"?

It's one of the most iconic sounds in cinema: the familiar melody that signals the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve. From the poignant conclusion of "It's a Wonderful Life" to the hopeful ending of "When Harry Met Sally...", "Auld Lang Syne" has become the definitive soundtrack for cinematic goodbyes and new beginnings. The man behind these enduring lyrics, however, was not a Hollywood songwriter but an 18th-century Scottish farmer and poet.

Robert Burns, often celebrated as the national poet of Scotland, is the wordsmith who gave us this timeless anthem. In 1788, he submitted the lyrics to the Scots Musical Museum, explaining that he had transcribed them from an old man's singing. While based on an older folk song, Burns refined the words into the version we know today. The song's title translates to "for old time's sake," a fitting sentiment for his broader project of preserving traditional Scottish culture.

Known as the "Ploughman Poet," Burns was a man of the people, famous for his love of drink and romance as much as for his back-breaking farm labor. He had a remarkable talent for capturing the heart of Scottish life, writing hundreds of poems and songs. Another of his famous works, "Comin' Thro' the Rye," also based on a folk tune, further showcases his legacy as a pivotal figure in popularizing Scotland's rich lyrical heritage for generations to come.