What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?
Rod Stewart feat. Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 lyrics to Rod Stewart's "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" are based on the universal theme of anticipation and uncertainly of what the future holds, particularly on one of the year's biggest holidays. The singer is expressing his desire to know what his crush will be doing on New Year's Eve, despite knowing that he may not be the one she chooses to spend it with. The opening line, "Maybe it's much too early in the game," suggests that it may be too soon to ask, but he decides to take the risk anyway, emphasizing the importance of the occasion.


The second verse adds an element of nostalgia to the song, as the singer wonders whose arms will hold his crush at the stroke of midnight. This creates a scene of romantic curiosity, as he tries to picture the moment in his head. The chorus repeats the initial question, reinforcing the idea that he is really looking for answers.


The third verse acknowledges the possible rejection, revealing the singer’s awareness that there may be a lot of people vying for his crush's attention on New Year's Eve. He is, however, willing to take the risk and ask anyway, suggesting that he may have strong feelings for her. The song ends with a sense of hope, as he awaits her response with an open heart.


Line by Line Meaning

Maybe it's much too early in the game
Perhaps it's too soon to ask this question


Aah, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
But even so, I wanted to ask you


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


New Year's Eve?
The evening of December 31st


Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
I wonder who will be holding you affectionately


When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
At the moment when the clock strikes midnight


Welcoming in the New Year
Celebrating the start of the new year


New Year's Eve
The evening of December 31st


Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
Perhaps I am being unrealistic


I'd ever be the one you chose
That you would choose to be with me


Out of a thousand invitations
From all the offers you may have received


You received
All the proposals that came your way


Aah, but in case I stand one little chance
But on the off chance that I have a slim possibility


Here comes the jackpot question in advance
Here is the big question I need to ask you ahead of time


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


New Year's Eve?
The evening of December 31st




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

Angela Miyagi Wirig

ella's voice will always sound so heavenly and beautiful :) timeless.

Carol Fazzio

Fabulous song.  Chris Botti, the trumpet player, was simply outstanding.  My mother and his dad, Lido Botti, grew up together and lived across the street from each other.  Mom was best friends with Valerie & Nelli Botti.
Carol Fazzio

Dorothy Kuveke

This duet is the best one I've ever heard if you can keep up with Ella Fitzgerald oh, you're quite good at singing as well🌟🌟✨✨✨✨

superleeds70 JOHNM

Two magical voices!

Jay A

one of the best rendition of this song!!

Lea Silbering *Girasol* 2021

💖🌻😘... "Where are you doing new year's eve,💖?"... Beautiful and perfect song... for a magic night! This is a hug in the distance for my Heart!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023,💖!

Alicia Scotti

May you have a delightful, safe and warm evening. And may you discover beautiful music throughout the new year.

misred1

Love it ! Happy New Year !!

Márcia Cristina

wonderful duet

Lesley Sinclair

Oh Wow what a great duet Well made and sinc'd

More Comments

More Versions