About the song

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a classic song that has stood the test of time, captivating listeners since its release in 1967. Written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, the song was first recorded by Frankie Valli, the lead vocalist of The Four Seasons. It quickly became one of Valli’s biggest hits, earning a gold record and climbing to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This achievement marked a significant milestone in Valli’s solo career, and the song remains one of his most memorable performances.

The story behind the song’s success is as intriguing as the melody itself. Bob Gaudio, who was also a member of The Four Seasons, described “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” as a song that nearly slipped through the cracks. Despite its potential, the track was initially shelved by The Four Seasons’ record company for about a year. The label feared that the group might be on the verge of disbanding, especially after losing a key member, Nick Massi, in 1965. However, Valli was determined to continue, and his persistence paid off.

The song’s breakthrough came when it caught the attention of Paul Drew, a program director at CKLW, a radio station in Windsor, Ontario, which also served the Detroit area. Drew was initially hesitant about the song, but after hearing Valli perform it live at the Roostertail, a well-known Detroit venue, he decided to add it to his station’s playlist. The response was overwhelming, and the song quickly gained popularity, lighting up the station’s switchboards and becoming a hit.

For Valli, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” was more than just a hit single; it was a step towards a new direction in his career. In a 2014 interview, Valli reflected on how the song allowed him to break away from the falsetto style that had defined much of his earlier work with The Four Seasons. He saw it as an opportunity to explore a broader range of musical expression, leading to later hits like “My Eyes Adored You” and “Swearin’ to God,” which showcased his natural voice.

The enduring appeal of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is evident in the numerous cover versions that have been recorded over the years, each bringing a unique interpretation to the song. From its origins as a nearly forgotten track to becoming an iconic piece of music history, this song continues to resonate with audiences around the world, proving that some melodies are simply timeless.

Video

Lyrics

You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
You’d be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last, love has arrived
And I thank God I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
Pardon the way that I stare
There’s nothin’ else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it’s real
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
I love you, baby
And if it’s quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don’t bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I’ve found you, stay
And let me love you, baby
Let me love you
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
You’d be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last, love has arrived
And I thank God I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off you
I love you, baby
And if it’s quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don’t bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I’ve found you, stay
Oh, pretty baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby

By Tam Le