| BALLDROP | "Auld Lang Syne" trigger, and a hint to this puzzle's theme |
| FIRE | Pull the trigger and rouse one to passion (4) |
| HAPPYNEWYEAR | Celebratory shout heard before "Auld Lang Syne" is played, and an apt title for this puzzle? |
| ROBERTBURNS | Scottish lyric poet whose best known poems include Auld Lang Syne and Tam o' Shanter |
| GAE | 'Go' to "Auld Lang Syne" poet Robert Burns |
| NEWYEARSEVE | Time to sing Auld Lang Syne? (3,5,3) |
| ROBBIEBURNS | He penned the words to "Auld Lang Syne" |
| YEARSGONEBY | A boy's energy deteriorates Auld Lang Syne (5,4,2) |
| AGO | What "syne" means in "Auld Lang Syne" |
| MUSIC | Auld Lang Syne is in an example of this |
| XII | Hour at which to sing "Auld Lang Syne" |
| PALOMINO | Gold and white horse breed whose famous members include Roy Rogers' Trigger and the 1960s US TV star Mister Ed (8) |
| LEADTIME | Use a key on the hour in case of delay between pulling the trigger and ignition (4,4) |
| FIREESCAPE | Pull trigger and get away via emergency exit (4,6) |
| POEMS | "Auld Lang Syne" and others |
| FRIENDSHIP | Theme of Auld Lang Syne (10) |
| CUPOFKINDNESS | What one might take "for auld lang syne" (substitution for R) |
| EIGHTHOFJANUARY | Sunday after the Sunday you sing, "Auld Lang Syne" |
| SCOTTISHPOET | Robert burns of "Auld lang Syne" fame: 2 wds. |
| LIKEACHARM | Prepare for Auld Lang Syne, with number going wonderfully (4,1,5) |
