Many New Years Eves have come and gone
Since the one in nineteen forty-nine.
It was the last one of my college days
And I thought it would be mighty fine.

I would not be alone on this night
But visiting with a friend of mine.
Harrison had said that I should
Come to his house around nine.

I knew his father very well
For he taught my physics class.
It was fun on this New Years night
To ask him if I would pass.

Well, my friend and I played cards
And I think some Monopoly.
The time went very fast
Soon it was eleven-thirty.

But I did not see the New Year in
At my friend Harrison's house
For his mother came to me to say
“I hope you don't think I'm a louse

“But I must ask you to leave our home
Before it becomes New Years Day.
You see, this is a special family time
When we talk together and even pray.

“Then when the clock strikes twelve
We toast the New Year in
And wish each other well.
It’s something just for kin’.

Many New Years Eves have come and gone
Since the one in nineteen forty~nine.
It wasn't what I thought it would be
But it was still pretty fine.

I walked from one year into the next
With snow crunching beneath my feet.
The night was clear and crisp and cold
As I trudged along the street.

Just past twenty I was then,
Almost seventy I am now.
That night I was a lonely student
Now I just worry about the DOW.

jhs