What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Ella Fitzgerald & Frank Devol 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
Ah, 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 the thousand invitations you received

Ah, 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?

Ah, 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, what are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?

Overall Meaning

The song "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" by Ella Fitzgerald is a beautiful ballad that explores the themes of love, longing, and uncertainty. The singer of the song is contemplating whether they will spend their New Year's Eve with their loved one or whether they will be alone. The lyrics evoke a sense of anxiety and vulnerability as they wonder whether their love interest will choose to spend the holiday with them or with someone else.


The first verse describes the scene of the New Year's Eve celebration - the bells and horns ringing, and couples kissing. This sets the stage for the singer's question of whether they will be included in the festivities or not. The second verse reveals the singer's hesitation in asking their love interest about their New Year's Eve plans, perhaps suggesting their fear of rejection. The final verse poses the jackpot question, the question that could either make or break their chances of spending the holiday with their love interest.


Overall, the song captures the universal feeling of uncertainty and hope that often accompanies romantic relationships, especially during the holidays. The lyrics are open-ended enough to allow listeners to insert their own experiences and emotions into the narrative.


Line by Line Meaning

When the bells all ring and the horns all blow
When the clock strikes midnight and the celebrations commence


And the couples we know are fondly kissing
And the people we know are embracing each other with affection


Will I be with you or will I be among the missing?
Will I be with you celebrating or not present?


Maybe it's much too early in the game
Maybe it's too soon to be discussing plans for that night


Ah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
But regardless, I wanted to ask you anyway


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


Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
I wonder who you will be holding close that night


When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night,
At the exact moment when the New Year starts


Welcoming in the New Year, New Year's Eve?
Will you be ushering in the New Year with someone?


Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I admit it may be foolish of me to think


I'd ever be the one you chose
That I would be the person you select


Out of the thousand invitations you received
Out of all the invitations you have received for the event


Ah, but in case I stand one little chance
But just in case I have a slight possibility


Here comes the jackpot question in advance
Here comes the question that could change everything


Oh, what are you doing New Year's, New Year's eve?
So, what are your plans for New Year's Eve?




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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