About the song
“You Can Do Magic” is a captivating song by the renowned singer-songwriter Russ Ballard, which was recorded as a 1982 single by the folk rock duo America from their album “View from the Ground”. This memorable track marked a significant comeback for America, whose last Top 40 hit was in 1976. Ballard played all the instruments, except for the drums recorded by Willie Leacox, and also produced the song, making it his first major hit credit as a producer.
The song’s success was not limited to the United States, as it reached the top 40 in several countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and the UK. The popularity of “You Can Do Magic” also led to America recording their 1983 album “Your Move” with Russ Ballard as the producer. A re-recording of the song later appeared on the band’s 1994 album, “Hourglass”.
The music video for “You Can Do Magic” features the band performing the song amidst a cloudy background, with some shots featuring a set of hands flipping cards, referencing the classic magic trick. The video was officially uploaded on YouTube on July 17, 2019.
The song’s personnel includes Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell on vocals, Russ Ballard on acoustic, electric, and bass guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals, Chuck Kirkpatrick on additional backing vocals and recording engineer, and Willie Leacox on drums. “You Can Do Magic” is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences with its magical lyrics and memorable melody.
Video
Lyrics
I never believed in things that I couldn’t see
I said if I can’t feel it then how can it be
No, no magic could happen to me
And then I saw you
I couldn’t believe it, you took my heart
I couldn’t retrieve it, said to myself
What’s it all about
Now I know there can be no doubt
You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire
You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
And when the rain is beatin’ upon the window pane
And when the night it gets so cold, when I can’t sleep
Again you come to me
I hold you tight, the rain disappears
Who would believe it
With a word you dry my tears
You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire
You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
And If I wanted to
I could never be free
I never believed it was true
But now it’s so clear to me
You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire
You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
You’re the one who can put out the fire
Doo, doo, doo
You’re the one who can put out the fire
Doo, doo, doo
You’re the one who can put out the fire