About the song
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” penned by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, and immortalized by Frankie Valli in 1967, remains an iconic piece of pop music history. Originally recorded as a solo venture by Valli, this song swiftly became one of his greatest hits, earning a gold record and reaching the impressive No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The genesis of the song’s success is tied closely to a serendipitous moment at a performance venue. Gaudio, reflecting on its journey to fame, recalled how a radio station in Windsor, Ontario, CKLW, played a pivotal role. Initially hesitant, program director Paul Drew was persuaded to listen to Valli perform live at the Roostertail, a decision that would change the song’s trajectory. Enthralled by Valli’s rendition, Drew added it to the station’s playlist, triggering an overwhelming response from listeners and propelling “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” into mainstream popularity across the Great Lakes region and beyond.
For Valli, the song marked a significant departure from the falsetto-driven sound synonymous with his work in The Four Seasons. It represented a pivotal step towards his solo career ambitions, setting the stage for subsequent hits like “My Eyes Adored You” and “Swearin’ to God.” Despite initial reservations from the band’s record company due to concerns over The Four Seasons’ future, Valli’s commitment to the group remained steadfast, ensuring the song’s eventual release and subsequent success.
Beyond Valli’s rendition, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” has been reimagined in various musical styles and languages, resonating with audiences globally through its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song’s melodic elements, inspired by Aram Khachaturian’s ballet “Spartacus,” underscore its enduring appeal and musical sophistication.
Produced by Bob Crewe and engineered by Phil Ramone at A & R Studio 2 in New York City, the original recording boasted an arrangement by Gaudio and Artie Schroeck that Billboard praised for its strong rhythm and Valli’s exceptional vocal performance. Cash Box similarly lauded its smooth and gentle romantic appeal, cementing its status as a classic in the realm of balladry.
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” continues to captivate new generations, a testament to its enduring charm and Frankie Valli’s enduring legacy as a solo artist and a cornerstone of pop music history.
Video
Lyrics
You’re just too good to be true.
Can’t take my eyes off 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.Pardon the way that I stare.
There’s nothing 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 you.I love you, baby,
And if it’s quite alright,
I need you, baby,
To warm a 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 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 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 a 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 found you, stay