U2, formed in Dublin in 1976, are one of the most successful and enduring rock bands in modern music history, known for their anthemic sound, political consciousness, and innovative live performances. The group—Bono (vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards), Adam Clayton (bass), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums)—rose to international fame in the 1980s with albums such as War (1983), The Joshua Tree (1987), and Rattle And Hum (1988), producing classics like “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” “With Or Without You,” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” .
U2 have sold over 150 million records worldwide, won more than 20 Grammy Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Beyond their music, the band is renowned for blending art and activism, with Bono in particular using his platform to advocate for humanitarian and social causes.
Their ability to continually reinvent their sound while staying true to their identity has ensured U2’s place as one of the most influential bands of all time.
U2’s 1983 single “New Year’s Day” marked a major breakthrough for the band and showcased the powerful mix of passion and politics that would define much of their music. Released from the album War, the song features The Edge’s distinctive piano and guitar riffs paired with Bono’s emotive vocals, creating a stirring anthem rooted in themes of hope and unity. Inspired in part by the Polish Solidarity movement, it carried a deeper resonance beyond the charts, where it became U2’s first international hit and their first entry into the US Top 40. With its blend of urgency and uplift, “New Year’s Day” remains one of the band’s most enduring and celebrated tracks.
The song peaked at No. 10 in the UK singles chart on 5th February 1983.
| A-Side | New Year’s Day [3:55] [U2] Produced By Steve Lillywhite |
| B-Side | Treasure [Whatever Happened To Pete The Chop [3:20] [U2] Produced By Steve Lillywhite |
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | 10th January 1983 |
| Label | ISLAND RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | WIP 6848 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 22nd January 1988 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 10 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 06 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 22nd January 1983 – 26th February 1983 |
| 23-12-[10]-13-21-36 |
Officially Released Versions
New Year’s Day [Single Version] [3:55]
New Year’s Day [Edit] [4:17]
New Year’s Day [Long Version] [5:35]
New Year’s Day [US Remix] [4:30]
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Yeah
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
I will be with you again
I will be with you again
Under a blood red sky
A crowd has gathered in black and white
Arms entwined, the chosen few
The newspaper says, says
Say it’s true, it’s true
And we can break through
Though torn in two
We can be one
I…I will begin again
I…I will begin again
Oh
Maybe the time is right
Oh…maybe tonight
I will be with you again
I will be with you again
And so we’re told this is the golden age
And gold is the reason for the wars we wage
Though I want to be with you
Be with you night and day
Nothing changes
On New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day
Written By U2
