What Are You Doing New Years Eve
Sonny Til & The Orioles Lyrics


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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 are holding you so tight
When it's exactly twelve o'clock at 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

Well, but just 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?

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

Well, but just 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" by Sonny Til & The Orioles is an emotional ballad that conveys the anxiousness one feels when pondering whether to confess their love to someone special on New Year's Eve, which is often seen as a time of new beginnings and resolutions. The singer seems unsure of their chances with their love interest but can't help but ask the daunting question in hopes of gaining some clarity before the year ends.


The singer starts off by acknowledging that it may be too early to ask, but they feel compelled to do so anyway. They then wonder who the object of their affection will be spending the crucial moment of midnight with and what they will be doing. The line "Maybe I'm crazy to suppose, I'd ever be the one you chose," suggests that the singer is not optimistic about their chances, perhaps because they feel overlooked among the many other invitations that their love interest may have received. However, they still seem to hold out hope, indicated by the repetition of the question in the chorus, and the fact that they pose it as the "jackpot question," knowing that a positive response could lead to their biggest prize yet.


The song speaks to the common experience of feeling vulnerable and exposed when revealing one's feelings, especially on a holiday that is meant to symbolize fresh starts and bold decisions. It is a poignant and relatable portrayal of the restless and uncertain feelings that come with the end of a year and the anticipation of what the future may hold.


Line by Line Meaning

Maybe it's much too early in the game
Although it may seem too soon to discuss New Year’s Eve plans, I’d like to ask you anyway.


Oh, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
Despite my reservations about timing, I still wanted to inquire about your plans for New Year’s Eve.


What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?
I am curious to know what your plans are for the upcoming celebration of New Year’s Eve.


Wonder whose arms are holding you so tight
I wonder who you will be celebrating the New Year’s Eve with and how close they will be to you during the countdown.


When it's exactly twelve o'clock at night
I am specifically curious about what you will be doing at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve.


Welcoming in the New Year, New Year's Eve
I am referring to the moment of welcoming the New Year and the activities surrounding that time of night.


Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I understand that my hopes and assumptions may be a bit irrational or optimistic.


I'd ever be the one you chose
I realize that there may be many other people you would rather spend New Year’s Eve with than me.


Out of a thousand invitations you received
I am acknowledging the possibility that you have many other options and invitations for how to spend New Year’s Eve.


Well, but just in case I stand one little chance
Regardless of the odds, I am still holding onto the possibility that I could be someone you choose to spend New Year’s Eve with.


Here comes the jackpot question in advance
I am preparing to ask the most important question, the one that will give me the answer I am looking for.


What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve?
Once again, I am asking what your plans are for New Year’s Eve, hoping to hear that you are free to spend it with me.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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