About the Song
Background
- Written By: Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio (Gaudio was a member of The Four Seasons).
- First Recorded By: Frankie Valli, lead singer of The Four Seasons, in 1967. His solo rendition is the most famous version.
- Genre: Pop, Soul
- Success: The song was a huge hit, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Valli’s signature tunes.
- Numerous Covers: Over the years, the song has been covered by countless artists, including Lauryn Hill, Boys Town Gang, and even Barry Manilow, making it a true musical standard.
Themes
The primary themes in this song are:
- Adoration: The lyrics express overwhelming adoration for someone. The speaker is completely captivated by the object of their affection.
- Love and Desire: The song describes the power of love and deep desire for another person. The intensity of emotion is evident.
- Uncertainty: Despite the intensity of feelings, there’s a hint of uncertainty. Lines like “Pardon the way that I stare” suggest a bit of insecurity and a hope for reciprocation.
Lyrics Analysis
Here’s a look at some key lyrics and what they mean:
- “You’re just too good to be true. Can’t take my eyes off you”: These lines establish the song’s core theme – the speaker is mesmerized by someone who seems almost too perfect to exist.
- “You’d be like heaven to touch. I wanna hold you so much”: Describes the burning desire to be close to the object of affection.
- “At long last love has arrived. And I thank God I’m alive”: Love is portrayed as a powerful force arriving after a period of longing.
- “But if you feel like I feel, please let me know that it’s real”: The underlying uncertainty surfaces, expressing a desire to know that their feelings are reciprocated.
- “Trust in me when I say. Oh, pretty baby…”: A plea for trust and a promise of unwavering love and devotion.
Overall
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is a timeless classic about the overwhelming feelings of love, adoration, and the slightly nervous hope of finding love returned. The song’s mix of confident longing and vulnerable sincerity is a big part of its enduring popularity.
Video
Lyric
You’re just too good to be trueCan’t take my eyes off of youYou’d be like Heaven to touchI wanna hold you so muchAt long last, love has arrivedAnd I thank God I’m aliveYou’re just too good to be trueCan’t take my eyes off of you
Pardon the way that I stareThere’s nothin’ else to compareThe sight of you leaves me weakThere are no words left to speakBut if you feel like I feelPlease let me know that it’s realYou’re just too good to be trueCan’t take my eyes off of you
I love you, babyAnd if it’s quite alrightI need you, babyTo warm the lonely nightI love you, babyTrust in me when I sayOh, pretty babyDon’t bring me down, I prayOh, pretty babyNow that I’ve found you, stayAnd let me love you, babyLet me love you
You’re just too good to be trueCan’t take my eyes off of youYou’d be like Heaven to touchI wanna hold you so muchAt long last, love has arrivedAnd I thank God I’m aliveYou’re just too good to be trueCan’t take my eyes off you
I love you, babyAnd if it’s quite alrightI need you, babyTo warm the lonely nightI love you, babyTrust in me when I sayOh, pretty babyDon’t bring me down, I prayOh, pretty babyNow that I’ve found you, stayOh, pretty babyTrust in me when I sayOh, pretty baby