Which U2 song, released in 1983, shares its title with the first day of the year?

“New Year's Day” is the U2 song released in 1983 that shares its title with the first day of the year.

The song appeared on U2's album War, released in February 1983, and became one of the band's early international successes. It was issued as a single in January 1983 and reached the UK singles chart's top ten, helping establish U2 beyond Ireland.

Although its title sounds like a straightforward celebration song, the lyrics are connected to political separation and conflict rather than to party customs. The song developed from a love-song idea into a piece influenced by the Solidarity movement in Poland. Its music video and live performances helped give it a powerful, expansive identity.

The track is frequently confused with the traditional New Year's song “Auld Lang Syne,” but they are entirely different works. “New Year's Day” is a rock song by U2, while “Auld Lang Syne” is a much older song associated with Robert Burns and midnight gatherings.