What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Diana Krall & The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra Lyrics


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When the bells all ring and the horns all blow
And the couples we know are fondly kissing
Will I be with you or will I be among the missing?

Maybe it's much too early in the game
Oh, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's?
New Year's eve?

Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year's eve

Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I'd ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You received

Oh, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance
What are you doing New Year's?
New Year's Eve?

Oh, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance




What are you doing New Year's?
New Year's Eve?

Overall Meaning

The song "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" sung by Diana Krall is a beautiful piece about the uncertainty and anticipation of the New Year's Eve celebration. The song describes the ringing of bells and blowing of horns as couples share tender kisses, while the singer wonders whether they will be with their loved one or alone.


As New Year's is a time of reflection, the singer questions their relationship by asking whether they will be the one to hold their lover in their arms when the clock strikes twelve. In the chorus, the singer poses the question directly to their lover, asking "What are you doing New Year's? New Year's eve?".


The song also touches on the universal fear of rejection as the singer acknowledges that they may not be the one their lover chooses to spend the holiday with, but nonetheless decides to take a chance and ask the question. The song ends on a hopeful note, leaving the listener with the sentiment that even in uncertain times, there is always the possibility that love will prevail.


Overall, the song is a testament to the nostalgia, hope, and vulnerability that the New Year's celebration evokes in people.


Line by Line Meaning

When the bells all ring and the horns all blow
As the celebrations begin with the ringing of bells and blowing of horns,


And the couples we know are fondly kissing
And as we see the couples we know, lost in love and kissing,


Will I be with you or will I be among the missing?
I can't help but wonder if I'll be there with you or if I'll be absent?


Maybe it's much too early in the game
I understand that it may be too soon to ask,


Oh, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
But I want to ask anyway,


What are you doing New Year's?
What are your plans for New Year's Eve?


New Year's eve?


Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
I can't help but wonder whose arms will hold you tight,


When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
As the clock strikes midnight on that night,


Welcoming in the New Year
We'll welcome the new year together,


New Year's eve


Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I may be irrational and delusional to assume,


I'd ever be the one you chose
That you would ever choose me above others,


Out of a thousand invitations
Despite receiving numerous invitations,


You received


Oh, but in case I stand one little chance
But just in case there is a faint glimmer of hope,


Here comes the jackpot question in advance
I'll ask you the ultimate question now,


What are you doing New Year's?
What are your plans for New Year's Eve?


New Year's Eve?




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Frank Loesser

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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