About the song
“Lyin’ Eyes” by the Eagles is a timeless classic that epitomizes the band’s signature blend of rock, country, and harmony-rich sound. Released as the second single from their 1975 album “One of These Nights,” the song was penned by band members Glenn Frey and Don Henley. “Lyin’ Eyes” stands out not only for its musical craftsmanship but also for its vivid storytelling, making it a quintessential track in the Eagles’ repertoire.
The narrative of “Lyin’ Eyes” delves into the life of a woman who marries for security rather than love, only to seek solace in an affair. The song’s lyrics poignantly capture the inevitability of deception being discovered, with the chorus famously proclaiming, “You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes.” This compelling story, coupled with the Eagles’ impeccable harmonies and instrumental arrangement, resonated deeply with listeners.
Upon its release, “Lyin’ Eyes” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing a spot at number 8 on the Billboard Country chart. This crossover appeal highlighted the Eagles’ ability to blend genres seamlessly, attracting a diverse audience. The song’s success was further cemented when it won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1976.
The album “One of These Nights” itself was a commercial triumph, becoming the Eagles’ first album to reach number 1 on the Billboard 200. The success of “Lyin’ Eyes,” along with other hits from the album like “One of These Nights” and “Take It to the Limit,” played a crucial role in solidifying the band’s status as one of the leading acts of the 1970s.
Musically, “Lyin’ Eyes” features Glenn Frey on lead vocals and guitar, Don Henley on drums and backing vocals, Bernie Leadon on guitar and mandolin, Randy Meisner on bass and backing vocals, and Don Felder on guitar. The song’s arrangement, with its rich acoustic guitar lines and smooth, melodic flow, is a testament to the Eagles’ musical prowess and their ability to craft songs that stand the test of time.
In conclusion, “Lyin’ Eyes” is more than just a song; it is a storytelling masterpiece that captures the essence of the Eagles’ musical genius. Its chart-topping success and critical acclaim are well-deserved, making it a staple in the discography of one of America’s most beloved bands.
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Lyrics
City girls just seem to find out early
How to open doors with just a smile
A rich old man, and she won’t have to worry
She’ll dress up all in lace go in style
Late at night a big old house gets lonely
I guess every form of refuge has its price
And it breaks her heart to think her love is only
Given to a man with hands as cold as ice
So she tells him she must go out for the evening
To comfort an old friend who’s feelin’ down
But he knows where she’s goin’ as she’s leavin’
She is headed for the cheatin’ side of town
You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes
On the other side of town a boy is waiting
With fiery eyes and dreams no one could steal
She drives on through the night, anticipating
‘Cause he makes her feel the way she used to feel
She rushes to his arms, they fall together
She whispers, “It’s only for a while”
She swears that soon she’ll be comin’ back forever
She goes away and leaves him with a smile
You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes
She gets up and pours herself a strong one
And stares out at the stars up in the sky
Another night, it’s gonna be a long one
She draws the shade and hangs her head to cry
She wonders how it ever got this crazy
She thinks about a boy she knew in school
Did she get tired or did she just get lazy?
She’s so far gone, she feels just like a fool
My, oh my, you sure know how to arrange things
You set it up so well, so carefully
Ain’t it funny how your new life didn’t change things?
You’re still the same old girl you used to be
You can’t hide your lyin’ eyes
And your smile is a thin disguise
I thought by now you’d realize
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes
There ain’t no way to hide your lyin’ eyes
Honey, you can’t hide your lyin’ eyes