Top Ten Songs for New Year's

1. "Auld Lang Syne" is the song most performed on New Year's eve. This old Scottish song was first published by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after hearing an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland perform it. "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long since." Since I am a traditional, old fashioned girl, this song tops my personal list, and I enjoy most versions, from Glen Miller to Christian alternative rockers, Relient K.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne.

Auld Lang Syne

2. "New Year's Day" is the third song and lead single from U2's 1983 album, War. Fans of Bono and U2 usually consider this song among their all-time favorites

All is quiet on New Year's Day.

A world in white gets underway.

I want to be with you, be with you night and day.

Nothing changes on New Year's Day.

On New Year's Day.

3. "Same Old Lang Syne" by Dan Fogelburg is from his 1981 album The Innocent Age and was based upon his real-life accidental meeting with a former girlfriend. It peaked at #9 on December 21, 1981. It doesn't have a terribly deep meaning, but it is nostalgic and evocative somehow.

Met my old lover in the grocery store,

The snow was falling Christmas Eve.

I stole behind her in the frozen foods,

And I touched her on the sleeve.

4. "What Are You Doing, New Years " has been recorded by numerous artists, but I think my favorite version is from Ella Fitzgerald in 1960 although I also like the newer version from gospel artist Stacie Orrico. Also known as "Maybe It's Too Early in the Game?" it is the most popularly done by Nat King Cole or Johnny Mathis.

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?

5. "It's Just Another New Years Eve" the plaintive song by Barry Manilow from his 1990 album Because It's Christmas became an instant New Year's classic and remains high on my list of New Year's songs.

It's just another New Year's Eve,

It's just another Auld Lang Syne,

But when we're through this New Year

You'll see, We'll be just fine.

6. "Here We Come A-Wassailing" (or "Here We Come A-Caroling") is a traditional English New Year's song from the 17th century which refers to the "wassail," a drink (typically mulled cider) used in toasts at banquets or other large dinners. I have always loved it and have it heard it performed most by choirs.

Love and joy come to you,

And to you your wassail too;

And God bless you and send you

a Happy New Year

And God send you a Happy New Year.

7. "Brand New Year (My Revolution)" by SHeDaisy from their 2000 album Brand New Year is a fairly new, up-tempo song for the New Year.

This is my one revolution

And I make it with no fear

It's never been so clear

Second chance is what got me here

To live, to love, today

Cause it's a brand new year

8. "New Year" by Charlie Hall is an inspirational song from his project, The Bright Sadness, released in 2008. The album, according to Hall, "comes from me understanding my ordinary human condition and my deep love for Jesus."

This is a new year, this is a new day to rise,

Shine, lift up your eyes.

9. "The Millennium Prayer" by Sir Cliff Richard was big hit in the UK in 1999. This is the Lord's Prayer set to "Auld Lang Syne" with a couple of extra verses added, and it joins the traditional and the sacred in a contemporary format.

Let every hope and every dream

Be born in love again

Let all the world sing with one voice

Let the people say amen

10. "Nothin' New for the New Year" by Harry Connick, Jr. and George Jones from Connick's 2003 project, Harry for the Holidays, is a sad number that I am including to get my list up to 10, and because it IS about New Years!

Ev'ry year I make my resolution

To find my love and make her all my own

But it looks like she decided not to show again

And I'll be singing 'Auld Lang Syne' alone