About the song
“Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes is an iconic song that defined the sound of the early 1980s with its distinctive synth-driven melody and Carnes’ raspy vocals. Released in 1981, the song quickly became a massive hit, earning its place as one of the era’s most memorable tracks.
The song was originally written in 1974 by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon. DeShannon’s version was more of a jazz-inspired piece, but it didn’t gain much traction at the time. It wasn’t until Kim Carnes and her producer, Val Garay, reimagined the song with a new-wave twist that it captured the public’s imagination.
“Bette Davis Eyes” was the lead single from Carnes’ album “Mistaken Identity.” The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a captivating woman whose allure and mystique are reminiscent of the classic Hollywood star Bette Davis. The chorus, with its catchy refrain, describes this enchanting figure with “Bette Davis eyes,” an homage to the actress’s famously expressive and seductive eyes.
Upon its release, “Bette Davis Eyes” soared to the top of the charts. It spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the biggest hit of 1981 in the United States. The song also enjoyed international success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries including Canada, Australia, and South Africa.
The success of “Bette Davis Eyes” was a major milestone in Kim Carnes’ career. It earned her two Grammy Awards in 1982 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female. The song’s success also helped “Mistaken Identity” achieve Platinum status, solidifying Carnes’ place in pop music history.
What makes “Bette Davis Eyes” so enduring is its unique blend of new wave and pop rock elements. The song’s minimalist instrumentation, combined with Carnes’ distinctive, gravelly voice, created a sound that was both modern and timeless. The track’s atmospheric synths and sharp guitar riffs complemented the mysterious and alluring theme of the lyrics perfectly.
“Bette Davis Eyes” remains a staple of 80s music playlists and continues to be covered and referenced in popular culture. Its impact is a testament to the power of great songwriting, innovative production, and a memorable performance by Kim Carnes. This song not only highlights Carnes’ vocal talents but also captures a moment in music history when genres were blending, and new sounds were being explored.
In summary, “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes is more than just a hit song; it is a cultural touchstone that epitomizes the early 1980s music scene. With its unforgettable melody, intriguing lyrics, and Carnes’ standout performance, it remains a beloved classic that continues to enchant listeners of all ages.
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Lyrics
Her hair is Harlow gold
Her lips a sweet surprise
Her hands are never cold
She’s got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll turn her music on you
You won’t have to think twice
She’s pure as New York snow
She got Bette Davis eyes
And she’ll tease you, she’ll unease you
All the better just to please you
She’s precocious, and she knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
She got Greta Garbo’s standoff sighs, she’s got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll let you take her home
It whets her appetite
She’ll lay you on a throne
She got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll take a tumble on you
Roll you like you were dice
Until you come out blue
She’s got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll expose you, when she snows you
Offer feed with the crumbs she throws you
She’s ferocious and she knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she’s a spy, she’s got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll tease you, she’ll unease you
All the better just to please you
She’s precocious, and she knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she’s a spy, she’s got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll tease you
She’ll unease you
Just to please you
She’s got Bette Davis eyes
She’ll expose you
When she snows you
‘Cause she knows you, she’s got Bette Davis Eyes
She’ll tease you