U2's 1982 song inspired partly by the Polish Solidarity movement is titled “New Year's Day.”
“New Year's Day” was released by the Irish rock band U2 in 1983 as the lead single from their album War. The song's lyrics began as a love song about separation, but the writing developed toward political imagery connected with the Polish Solidarity movement and the imprisonment of its leader Lech Wałęsa during martial law.
The recording is known for its prominent piano and bass line, driving drums, and guitar work. It became U2's first international hit single and reached number 10 on the UK Singles Chart. The song's title can make it sound like a conventional holiday song, but its subject is more political and emotionally serious.
It should not be confused with U2's later songs “Sunday Bloody Sunday” or “Pride (In the Name of Love).” Those tracks also address political or historical themes, but “New Year's Day” is the one tied to the Solidarity inspiration.