New Year's Day

U2

About New Year's Day

"New Year's Day" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the third track on their 1983 album War and was released as the album's lead single in January 1983. With lyrics written about the Polish Solidarity movement, "New Year's Day" is driven by Adam Clayton's distinctive bassline and the Edge's piano and guitar playing. It was the band's first UK hit single, peaking at number 10, and was also their first international hit, reaching for number 9 in Norway, number 11 on the Dutch Top 40, number 17 in Sweden, and number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed the single at number 435 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". This song was also included in the Pitchfork 500. The UK cover features a photograph of Peter Rowen, who grew up near U2 lead vocalist Bono in Ireland. 


Year:
1983
4:36
112 
#2

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Yeah!

All is quiet on New Year's Day
A world in white gets underway
Oh, I want to be with you, be with you night and day
Nothing changes on New Year's Day
On New Year's Day

I will be with you again
I will be with you again

Under a blood-red sky
A crowd has gathered, black and white
Arms entwined, the chosen few
The newspapers says, says

Say it's true, it's true
We can break through
Though torn in two, we can be one

I, I will begin again
I, I will begin again

Yeah-oh-oh

Oh, ah-ah, oh, ah-ah
Oh, dah-dah-dah-dah

I will be with you again
I will be with you again
I will be with you again
I will be with you again

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


U2

U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono (vocals and guitar), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, and vocals), Adam Clayton (bass guitar), and Larry Mullen, Jr. (drums and percussion). U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have maintained a sound built on melodic instrumentals, highlighted by The Edge's timbrally varied guitar sounds and Bono's expressive vocals. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus on personal themes and sociopolitical concerns. more »

10 fans

Written by: Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, Paul Hewson

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"New Year's Day" was released on January 1st, 1983, as a single from U2's album "War."
Chart Performance
The song was a significant hit, reaching No. 10 in the UK and No. 53 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100, their first single to chart in America.
Purpose of the Song
Originally, "New Year's Day" was written with a lyrical focus on the Solidarity movement in Poland that was fighting against the oppressive political regime.
Album Impact
"New Year's Day" contributed in making "War" the band's first number-one album in the UK.
Song Composition
The signature riff of the song, memorable and penetrative, was reportedly player by U2's bassist Adam Clayton when he was trying to learn a different song.
Music Video
The video of “New Year’s Day” was shot in freezing temperatures in Sweden, making it one of U2’s most memorable.
Critic Reception
Many critics have acknowledged the song as being an important step in U2's development as a band capable of being both seriously political and commercially successful.
Continual Influence
"New Year's Day" has been subject to numerous covers by artists from various backgrounds and cultures, highlighting its global cultural impact.
Tour Staple
It has been performed on almost every U2 tour since its release.
Awards and recognition
Although the song didn't win any award at the time of its release, it retrospectively received recognition like being ranked at 435 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2010.

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    New Year's Day

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1983

    Billboard #53


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