About the song
## Lyin’ Eyes – Eagles (1975)
The Eagles’ “Lyin’ Eyes” is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. Released in 1975 as the lead single from their album “One of These Nights,” the song showcases the band’s signature blend of country rock and pop sensibilities. With its catchy melody, evocative lyrics, and stellar musicianship, “Lyin’ Eyes” remains a beloved anthem of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.
The song’s introspective narrative unfolds through the perspective of a narrator who is grappling with the realization that his lover is not who he thought she was. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is seemingly perfect on the surface but harbors a deceptive nature. The narrator’s disillusionment is palpable as he confronts the painful truth that his idealized vision of her is shattered.
The song’s musical arrangement is equally compelling. The driving rhythm section, featuring Don Henley’s powerful drumming and Glenn Frey’s energetic bass playing, provides a solid foundation for the melodic interplay between Frey’s and Joe Walsh’s guitars. The harmonies between the two guitarists are particularly striking, creating a sense of tension and anticipation that complements the song’s emotional intensity.
Henley’s vocals are a standout feature of the song, delivering a performance that is both soulful and restrained. His voice captures the narrator’s conflicted emotions with remarkable subtlety, conveying a sense of longing, regret, and resignation. The way he phrases the lyrics adds depth and nuance to the song, making it a truly memorable listening experience.
“Lyin’ Eyes” is a testament to the Eagles’ songwriting prowess and their ability to create music that resonates with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes, its relatable characters, and its timeless melody. It is a masterpiece of country rock that continues to inspire and entertain listeners decades after its release.
Video
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