The summer of 2020 was set to be a thrilling time for football fans, especially those supporting Wales in the Euro 2020 tournament. However, like many major events, it fell victim to the Covid-19 pandemic. Welsh fans, known for their passionate support, were particularly disappointed, having eagerly anticipated their team’s participation in the prestigious competition. For Wales supporters, a key element of any matchday experience is the resounding chorus of a song that has become synonymous with their team: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” This infectious tune, originally a hit for Frankie Valli in 1967, has been adopted by Welsh football fans and transformed into an enduring anthem.
The journey of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” from a pop classic to a football terrace chant began in 1993. BBC Wales, seeking to promote a crucial World Cup qualifier against Romania, tasked John Morgan, Head of Presentation and Promos, with creating a catchy new chant. Morgan observed that existing chants were lacking in uplifting energy, often sounding more desperate than inspiring. He wanted something that would truly resonate with the fans and boost team morale.
His inspiration struck from an unexpected source: the film The Deer Hunter. A scene featuring steelworkers singing along to a song in a bar jukebox stuck in his mind. That song was “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”. Recognizing its upbeat melody and feel-good vibe, Morgan believed it had the potential to become the anthem he was looking for.
Morgan and his team recorded themselves singing the chorus, overlaying it with footage of Welsh football stars like Ian Rush and Ryan Giggs in action. This promotional video was aired 20 times leading up to the Romania game. The impact was immediate and profound. As Morgan walked to the stadium in Cardiff for the match, he was met with a wave of sound – fans everywhere were chanting “Da-ra, da-ra, da-ra, da da da, da-ra, da-ra, daaa… I love you baby!” The BBC promo had worked its magic, and a pop song had been reborn as a football anthem.
But what is it about “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” that makes it so universally appealing, transcending genres and generations? The song itself is a testament to classic songwriting. Penned in 1967 by lyricist and producer Bob Crewe and The Four Seasons’ keyboardist Bob Gaudio, specifically for Frankie Valli’s distinctive vocals, it’s a masterclass in simple yet effective songwriting. Lyrically, it’s an unashamedly romantic and direct declaration of love, speaking to the universal feeling of being utterly captivated by someone. Musically, Bob Gaudio crafted the song around three distinct and memorable melodies, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience.
Frankie Valli’s original rendition soared to number two on the US charts, cementing its place in pop history. Its appeal crossed the Atlantic, with Andy Williams’ version reaching number five in the UK the following year. This marked just the beginning of the song’s incredible journey. Over the decades, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” has been covered countless times, in a vast array of styles, proving its adaptability and enduring popularity. By the turn of the 21st century, it was recognized as the fifth most-played song on US radio and television, a testament to its constant presence in popular culture.
The list of artists who have lent their voice to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” reads like a who’s who of musical icons. From Barry Manilow’s smooth crooning to Engelbert Humperdinck’s romantic balladry, and Shirley Bassey’s powerful delivery to Gloria Gaynor’s disco energy, the song has been interpreted across diverse genres. The disco era itself embraced the song wholeheartedly, with Boys Town Gang’s high-energy version reaching number four in the UK in 1982. This disco reimagining even influenced the Pet Shop Boys’ clever 1991 medley that fused U2’s “Where the Streets Have No Name” with the infectious chorus of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” further demonstrating its cross-genre appeal.
Even hip-hop royalty has paid homage. Lauryn Hill famously recorded a soulful, hip hop-infused version as a hidden track on her groundbreaking 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, showcasing the song’s versatility and ability to resonate with new audiences. And the Welsh connection continues beyond football. Manic Street Preachers, another iconic Welsh act, recorded a cover version that appears on their rarities compilation Lipstick Traces. Adding to the song’s Welsh legacy, during the Manic Street Preachers’ millennium New Year’s Eve concert in Cardiff, singer James Dean Bradfield performed an acoustic rendition as the first song after midnight, solidifying its place in Welsh cultural consciousness.
Beyond music, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” has enjoyed a rich life in film. Heath Ledger’s charming performance of the song in 10 Things I Hate About You is a rom-com highlight, perfectly capturing the movie’s lighthearted and romantic spirit. It also features in Bridget Jones’s Diary, soundtracking the memorable party scene where Bridget first meets Mark Darcy. More recently, the original Frankie Valli version added a touch of classic cool to Drew Goddard’s neo-noir thriller Bad Times at the El Royale.
Heath Ledger singing Can't Take My Eyes Off You in 10 Things I Hate About You
Perhaps one of the most poignant associations with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is its connection to the late Gary Speed, the beloved former Wales footballer and manager who tragically passed away in 2011. In the wake of his death, the song took on a new layer of emotional resonance for Welsh fans. Stereophonics’ Kelly Jones recorded a moving acoustic version as a tribute, which was played at Speed’s funeral. This deeply personal and heartfelt rendition underscored the song’s lyrical message of devotion and love.
John Morgan, reflecting on the song’s incredible journey, notes, “The lyrics are all about devotion. It resonated really strongly when Gary died because he was deeply loved. It was just perfect. I have been astonished at the way it has been really embraced by everyone. That’s the power of music.” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a testament to timeless songwriting, and a powerful expression of love and devotion that continues to capture hearts and voices around the world. Its journey from a 1960s pop hit to a football anthem and beyond highlights its enduring appeal and the magic of music to connect with people on a deeply emotional level.
