Have you ever wondered what it’s like to spend New Year’s Eve with someone special? Well, there is an enchanting song that is all about that spark of curiosity and anticipation. “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is the perfect tune to get you in the festive, romantic mood as the year comes to a close.
It was written by Frank Loesser in 1947 and has been a popular standard ever since. With its smooth, jazzy vibe and heartfelt lyrics, it paints a picture of a magical night spent with someone you hope to ring in the New Year with. It’s simply a wonderful romantic ballad, so, grab a glass of champagne, and let’s dream of all the possibilities this song has to offer!
Postmodern Jukebox Sings “What are you doing New Year’s Eve”
Lyrics
The song’s lyrics consist of a series of questions and hopeful statements, which mirror the uncertainty and excitement of meeting someone new or deepening a connection. The repetition of the phrase “What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” emphasizes the central question, but it’s delivered in such a way that the singer is also expressing their own emotional desire. Can you feel the sense of anticipation in how the question is framed?
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?
Ella Fitzgerald Sings “What are you doing New Year’s Eve”
Major Themes
As you can tell, this fabulous song is all about love, hope, and a bit of nostalgia wrapped up in the magic of New Year’s Eve. There is plenty of romantic longing, as the singer is asking a special person if they’d like to spend New Year’s Eve together, but it is not just a casual invite. There’s a real sense of wanting to connect, to make the evening meaningful, as if the celebration could mark the start of something more.
It is also a song about hope and anticipation, as New Year’s Eve isn’t just about ringing in a new year; it is a fresh start. The lyrics tie that sense of renewal to the excitement of potentially starting a new chapter in a relationship. It’s about looking ahead, both to the new year and to the possibilities of romance.
Carpenters Sing “What are you doing New Year’s Eve”
Innocence and Nostalgia
“What are you doing New Year’s Eve?” is really an innocent, yet very meaningful questions. It is a soft and sweet way of asking someone if they’d like to spend time together. It’s not an outright confession of love, but rather a gentle invitation, giving the other person the space to respond however they feel.
The song certainly evokes a sense of longing for the past, painting New Year’s Eve as a time of tradition and reflection. It hints at the romantic ideal of sharing the night with someone special, something that feels timeless and full of emotional significance. It is a song full of warmth and possibility, asking a simple question that carries so much meaning.
Norah Jones Sings “What are you doing New Year’s Eve”
The Music
Frank Loesser’s “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” music score
The music features a smooth and flowing melody, primarily sung in a moderate tempo. Overall, the melody has a descending contour, perhaps reflecting the melancholic and wistful tone of the lyrics. The melody starts with a soft, descending 5-note phrase, creating a sense of longing and curiosity, and frequently uses stepwise motion to evoke a smooth, conversational quality.
The harmonic progression is typical of many jazz standards, with an emphasis on a minor colouring on the second scale-degree. This becomes part of a cadential progression that we can hear well in the verse and the bridge. Although the song starts in the major key, it frequently transitions through relative minor or other closely related keys. These progressions support the emotional pull of the lyrics, with a mix of major and minor chords that create a sense of bittersweet uncertainty.
Diana Krall Sings “What are you doing New Year’s Eve”
Themes of Love
Most interpreters bring a relaxed attitude to this song, with the gentle swing rhythm giving it a slightly jazzy, laid-back vibe. In some interpretations, a bossa nova or ballad-like feel is used to emphasise the intimacy of the message. The phrasing is flexible, allowing singers to add a bit of rubato, stretching or compressing time to heighten the emotional impact. In combination with gentle phrasing and soft melodies, the song’s emotional undertones make it both wistful and tender.
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” explores the universal themes of love, hope, and the desire for connection. It invites reflection on the passing of time and the possibility of beginning something new with someone special as the year turns. The balance of romance, nostalgia, and a slight sense of uncertainty creates a timeless appeal, making it a favourite for both its lyrical content and the emotions it evokes.
Zooey Deschanel & Joseph Gordon Levitt “What are you doing New Year’s Eve
Interpretations
The song was first recorded by Margaret Whiting in 1947, and two years later made it to the Billboards charts. Since then it has been recorded many, many times. For many people, the version recorded by Ella Fitzgerald is considered the definitive take. Her smooth vocals and perfect phrasing perfectly captures the elegance and the dreaminess of the lyrics.
I’ve also included the version by the Carpenters, a soft and comforting rendition with Karen Carpenter’s warm and angelic voice. This rendition is definitely filled with gentle longing and nostalgia. I also love the version by Zooey Deschanel, with her breathy vocals paired with an acoustic guitar. It gives the song a charming and retro vibe, just perfect for a cozy New Year’s Eve.
“Postmodern Jukebox” (PMJ) has become famous for taking contemporary pop songs and reimagining them in vintage styles. Their interpretation takes you to the feel of a lively jazz club from around the time the song was written. Nora Jones, meanwhile, provides a contemporary and intimate version with soothing vocals, evoking feelings of hope and reflection. And if you are looking for a relaxed and cool feel, ideal for a sophisticated evening, look no further than the version by Diana Krall. And I simply love the Kacey Musgraves version because she always gets what she wants!
Wishing you a joyful and unforgettable New Year 2025 filled with love, laughter, and countless unforgettable moments!
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