Introduction
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is a popular standard that has been performed by many artists, from Ella Fitzgerald to Mariah Carey. The song was composed by Frank Loesser in 1947 and is considered a holiday classic. Despite its age, the song remains popular and relevant today. From the perspective of a lovelorn protagonist, it speaks to the loneliness of being single on one of the most romantic nights of the year.
History of the Song
The song was first recorded in 1947 by Martha Tilton, a jazz vocalist popular in the 1940s and 1950s. Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, and Mariah Carey. It has been featured in films such as When Harry Met Sally, Elf, and The Holiday.
Though it is a relatively old song, it has remained popular throughout the years. According to a survey conducted by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” was the third-most played holiday song of 2018.
Analyzing the Lyrics
The song tells the story of a lovelorn protagonist who is alone on New Year’s Eve and is hoping to find love with someone else. The lyrics express the protagonist’s longing for human connection and companionship.
The first verse sets up the situation:
Oh, what are you doing New Year’s Eve?
Are you busy? Will you be my date?
It’s so very nice to spend New Year’s Eve
With a girl like you
The protagonist is asking if the other person is available to be his date for New Year’s Eve. Though he may not be confident in his chances, he expresses his hope that the other person will accept his invitation.
The chorus repeats the same question:
What are you doing New Year’s, New Year’s Eve?
The repetition emphasizes the protagonist’s desire to have someone to spend the night with.
The second verse further expresses the protagonist’s feelings:
Maybe I’m crazy to suppose
I’d ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You received
The protagonist is aware that there may be others who have asked the other person to spend New Year’s Eve with them. Yet, he still hopes that the other person will choose him over all the other options.
The bridge provides a moment of reflection:
If I could fly a fantasy
I’d be with you wherever you may be
And bring you a night of delight
From the heavens above
The protagonist imagines what it would be like if he could fly away and be with the other person. He wishes he could bring the other person a night of joy and beauty from the stars above.
Musicality of the Song
The song is composed in a traditional pop ballad style. It follows an AABAC structure, with each verse and chorus ending with the same phrase. The melody is simple and repetitive, which helps to emphasize the lyrics. The instrumentation consists of piano, electric guitar, bass, drums, and strings. The arrangement is sparse, allowing the vocals to take center stage.
The tempo of the song is slow and deliberate, which creates a sense of longing and melancholy. This reflects the emotion of the lyrics and creates an atmosphere of nostalgia.
Performance of the Song
Different artists have interpreted the song in various ways. Ella Fitzgerald’s version is jazzy and upbeat, while Nat King Cole’s is slower and more sentimental. Mariah Carey’s version is more contemporary, with heavier instrumentation and a faster tempo. Each artist brings their own unique style to the song, creating a variety of interpretations.
The vocal performances also vary significantly between versions. Ella Fitzgerald’s version is light and airy, while Nat King Cole’s is smooth and soulful. Mariah Carey’s version is more operatic and powerful. These different styles reflect the emotions behind the lyrics and create unique interpretations of the song.
Conclusion
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” is a timeless classic that has been performed by many artists throughout the years. Its lyrics tell the story of a lovelorn protagonist who is hoping to find love on New Year’s Eve. The song’s lyrical and musical composition create an atmosphere of wistfulness and nostalgia. Different artists have interpreted the song in various ways, creating a variety of versions of the song. No matter which version you listen to, it is sure to evoke a feeling of longing and romance.
Resources
American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. (2018). Top 25 Holiday Songs. Retrieved from https://www.ascap.
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