Old Long Since

Auld Lang Syne is attributed to Robert Burns​, but it is believed the Scots poet adapted an old ballad and set the words to a traditional folk tune.

Its title translates as "old long since" and the words - printed in their entirety on the left - pay homage to people and memories of times gone by.

Burns expert Chris Rollie said he is not surprised by the poll's findings that few people know all the lyrics.

He said: "Plenty of songs are sung without people knowing the words and bear in mind this is usually sung at the end of a long day and night. But I think people understand its sentiment.

"Burns was sentimental. He had a frequent saying which was, 'I drink to the hope that the friends of youth may be companions in old age'.

"The words reflect this. And the elements of Auld Lang Syne are really simple - friendship, memories and drink to celebrate it. That's it."

Although known as a Hogmanay song, it is also used to symbolise endings or new beginnings.

Auld Lang Syne is belted out at the end of Scout Jamborees, the TUC Congress, and even when a British colony achieves independence.

This emotive song, performed holding hands with loved ones and total strangers alike, also has the power to bring together the most unlikely people.

Who can forget the unhappy expression on the Queen's face as she linked hands with Prime Minister Tony Blair to welcome in the new millennium?

Maybe Her Majesty was just shocked that he had forgotten the words...

The song has featured in more than 170 Hollywood films, including It's a Wonderful Life and When Harry Met Sally, and versions are sung as far away as Japan, Hungary and Finland.

The song has also been covered by Jimi Hendrix, who played a live version in New York on December 31, 1969, and Elvis Presley, on New Year's Eve, 1976, in Pittsburgh.

Last year, Maria Carey released it as a single. Billy Joel​ also sang it for his live CD, 2000 Years: The Millennium Concert.