The magic of cinema and music often intertwine, creating cultural moments that resonate across generations. Watching Bette Davis in her 1942 masterpiece, Now, Voyager, particularly those scenes highlighting her mesmerizing eyes under the brim of a stylish hat, instantly brings to mind Kim Carnes’ iconic 1981 hit, “Bette Davis Eyes”. This song isn’t just a chart-topper from the eighties; for many, it’s a timeless classic and a personal favorite.
Kim Carnes Bette Davis Eyes song – Kim Carnes performing, reminiscent of Bette Davis's iconic gaze.
“Bette Davis Eyes” wasn’t a brand-new composition when Kim Carnes recorded it. Penned in 1974 by the talented duo Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, the latter already known for hits like “What the World Needs Now is Love” and “Put a Little Love in Your Heart”, the song was initially envisioned with a different feel. DeShannon herself first recorded it in 1974 for her album New Arrangement. Her original rendition leaned towards a country sound, characterized by the distinct twang of guitars and a honky-tonk piano. However, it was Kim Carnes’ 1981 reimagining, infused with synth-pop sensibilities, that catapulted “Bette Davis Eyes” into a global phenomenon.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a captivating and assertive woman, described with striking imagery: “Greta Garbo standoff sighs and Bette Davis eyes“. This potent combination of allure and strength clearly resonated with audiences worldwide. Carnes’ version dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for an impressive nine weeks, becoming the number one song of 1981. Its global reach was undeniable, topping charts in numerous countries including Australia, Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, and South Africa. Beyond commercial success, the song also garnered critical acclaim, winning Grammy Awards for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year, solidifying its place in music history.
While Kim Carnes had been a presence in the music scene for over a decade prior, 1980 marked her mainstream breakthrough. She achieved Top 10 hits with the Kenny Rogers duet “Don’t Fall in Love With a Dreamer,” a song she co-wrote, and her compelling cover of Smokey Robinson’s “More Love.” Yet, it was “Bette Davis Eyes” that truly launched her into international superstardom, forever associating her uniquely raspy voice with this iconic track.
Bette Davis Eyes song inspiration – Close-up of Bette Davis showcasing her captivating and unforgettable eyes.
The story of how “Bette Davis Eyes” landed in Carnes’ lap is almost serendipitous. While searching for songs for her album Mistaken Identity, recorded with producer Val Garay, songwriter Donna Weiss approached them. Garay recounted that Weiss initially presented another song co-written with Bruce Roberts, but it didn’t quite click. Then, almost as an afterthought, Weiss mentioned “Bette Davis Eyes,” a song previously pitched elsewhere without success. Carnes, who had heard it before and liked it, urged Garay to listen to the demo. Garay described the demo as sounding like a “Leon Russell track” with a “beer-barrel polka piano part,” a far cry from the synth-driven hit it would become. However, the melody and lyrics captivated him.
The transformation of the song was largely due to keyboardist Bill Cuomo, who crafted the unforgettable synth riff using a Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 synthesizer. This synth line became the signature element of Carnes’ rendition, lending it a sensual and enigmatic atmosphere that perfectly complemented the lyrics. Interestingly, the final, hit version of “Bette Davis Eyes” was captured in the studio on the very first take, a testament to the song’s inherent magic and the musicians’ synergy. (Source: Wikipedia, MIX webzine)
Bette Davis herself was 73 years old when Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes song” became a cultural phenomenon. Far from being indifferent, Davis was reportedly delighted and deeply honored by the song. She reached out to Carnes, Weiss, and DeShannon with letters expressing her admiration for the song and gratitude for making her “a part of modern times.” She also shared an anecdote about her grandson’s newfound respect, telling her she had “finally made it.” Following the Grammy wins, Davis sent roses to all three women, a gesture of her appreciation. In her 1987 memoir, This ‘N’ That, Davis wrote, “It was a thrill to become a part of the rock generation” thanks to the song. A genuine friendship blossomed between Carnes and Davis, with Carnes visiting Davis at her home on several occasions before her passing in 1989.
<em>Her hair is Harlow gold Her lips a sweet surprise Her hands are never cold She's got Bette Davis eyes She'll turn her music on you You won't have to think twice She's pure as New York snow She got Bette Davis eyes</em> <em> And she'll tease you, she'll unease you All the better just to please you She's precocious, and she knows just what it Takes to make a pro blush She got Greta Garbo's standoff sighs, she's got Bette Davis eyes </em> <em>She'll let you take her home It whets her appetite She'll lay you on a throne She got Bette Davis eyes She'll take a tumble on you Roll you like you were dice Until you come out blue She's got Bette Davis eyes </em> <em>She'll expose you, when she snows you Off your feet with the crumbs, she throws you She's ferocious and she knows just what it Takes to make a pro blush All the boys think she's a spy, she's got Bette Davis eyes </em> <em>She'll tease you, she'll unease you All the better just to please you She's precocious, and she knows just what it Takes to make a pro blush All the boys think she's a spy, she's got Bette Davis eyes She'll tease you She'll unease you Just to please you She's got Bette Davis eyes She'll expose you When she snows you 'Cause she knows you, she's got Bette Davis Eyes She'll tease you</em>While the official music video for “Bette Davis Eyes” might be considered by some as visually underwhelming, featuring somewhat bizarre dancing and costumes, the song’s enduring power remains undeniable. Perhaps a video interweaving scenes of Bette Davis’s iconic film roles would have been a more fitting visual accompaniment, although rights and costs might have been prohibitive. Regardless of the video, the song itself, with its captivating melody, evocative lyrics, and Kim Carnes’ distinctive vocals, continues to captivate listeners and solidify its place as a true classic of the 1980s and beyond.
Listen to the pure audio of the song and rediscover its brilliance:
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