It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve • Barry Manilow

Song of the Day: It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve, by Barry Manilow.

It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve is a song recorded by Barry Manilow and written by Manilow with Marty Panzer. It was followed by the single Can’t Smile Without You.

The song appears on Manilow's 1977 album Barry Manilow Live. The single reached number 33 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart that year. Panzer recalled that Manilow wanted to write this song specifically for his Uris Theatre run, during which his live album was being recorded: "We wrote the song on Monday… it was orchestrated on Tuesday… and recorded on Wednesday." Manilow performed It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve live at midnight on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve numerous times. In fact, in 1977, it replaced the tradition of playing the Guy Lombardo version of Auld Lang Syne.

*Guy Lombardo • Band Leader • Famous for playing Auld Lang Syne every year since 1939*

The Prince of Scots blog explains:

“Somehow the Songs of New Year’s Eve seem sad as we reflect on the passing year. Are we sad it's over? Barry Manilow’s It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve makes reference to the Robert Burn’s Poem of 1788. Burn’s wrote that Auld Lang Syne was an ancient song but that he'd been the first to record it on paper. The phrase 'auld lang syne' roughly translates as 'for old times' sake', and the song is all about preserving old friendships, looking back over the events of the year, evoking a sense of belonging and fellowship, tinged with nostalgia, thoughts of mistakes we made, our regrets, and hope for the future.

“The Ancient Song is a much-loved Scottish tradition loved by many. As Scots immigrated around the world, they took traditions to remember Scotland and the days gone by. Eventually North America translated Burns’ dialect into the common lyrics we know today which were made famous in part by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, who performed the song on New Year’s Eve from 1939 until about 1977. It is Lombardo’s version the world hears after the ball drops in Times Square every New Year’s Eve.

“As the Guy Lombardo era came to end in 1977, Dick Clark introduced Barry Manilow’s New Year’s Eve song as a time to reflect on the past and look forward. While the Manilow song seems very sad, the message in the lyrics of both songs a time for us to reflect, learning from our mistakes, move on from the past, take victory in our success, and celebrate friendships. Some of the old year we carry forward, and some we leave behind with our regrets which could be reflected in the sadness.

But what does Auld Lang Syne mean….it means “for old times’ sake”. So as the clock strikes midnight to signal the passing of just another New Year’s Eve, let’s not fake our way through a song we should all know and love. Sing the Song Loud and Proud, replace the words “Auld Lang Syne” with “for old times’ sake”, grab someone’s hand, toast a cup of cheer.”

Most seemed relieved and glad to see the strange year 2020 fade into the rear view mirror. I guess it’s the same for 2021! There are always years which are historically difficult. But this past couple seem to take the cake. May this week see not “Just Another New Year’s Eve,” but the start of a new season of love, and compassion, and blessing for you and yours. Happy New Year everyone. 🎆

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Now, Barry Manilow on Spotify:

It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve