The Eagles’ – “Lyin’ Eyes” (1975)

About the song

The Eagles’ “Lyin’ Eyes” is a timeless tale of love and deception that captivated audiences upon its release in 1975. Co-written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, this classic track is featured on the band’s album *One of These Nights*.

Known for their ability to blend rock, country, and folk influences, The Eagles struck a chord with “Lyin’ Eyes,” which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its narrative-driven lyrics and memorable melody showcase the band’s storytelling prowess and musical craftsmanship.

Released during the height of their career, *One of These Nights* topped the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying The Eagles’ status as one of the premier rock bands of the 1970s. “Lyin’ Eyes” contributed significantly to the album’s success, resonating with listeners who appreciated its lush instrumentation and Henley’s soulful vocals.

The song explores themes of infidelity and longing, portraying a poignant tale of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage seeking solace elsewhere. Its narrative unfolds with a sense of empathy and introspection, drawing listeners into its emotional depth.

“Lyin’ Eyes” remains a staple on classic rock radio stations and has been covered by various artists over the years, attesting to its enduring popularity and influence. It earned The Eagles critical acclaim and Grammy nominations, further cementing its place in music history.

Through “Lyin’ Eyes,” The Eagles demonstrated their ability to create songs that resonate on a personal level while maintaining their signature sound. Its legacy continues to endure, serving as a testament to the band’s enduring impact on the landscape of popular music.

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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 and 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 lying 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 that it’s only for awhile
She swears that soon she’ll be comin’ back forever
She pulls 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 lying 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