Bonnie Tyler performing “Total Eclipse of the Heart” in 1983

About the song

Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a timeless power ballad that captured the hearts of millions around the world upon its release in 1983. Written and produced by the legendary Jim Steinman, this dramatic song became Tyler’s biggest career hit, topping charts and selling millions of copies.

The song, a duet with Rory Dodd, showcases Tyler’s powerful vocals and Steinman’s signature bombastic production style. With its soaring chorus and emotionally charged lyrics, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a classic example of 1980s pop music at its finest.

The song’s success was undeniable. It reached the top of the charts in the United Kingdom and the United States, and it was certified gold and later platinum by the RIAA. Its enduring popularity is evident in the fact that it was voted the third-favorite 1980s number one in a poll conducted by ITV.

Behind the scenes, the creation of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” was a collaboration between Tyler and Steinman, who had been inspired by the music of Phil Spector. Together, they crafted a song that perfectly captured the spirit of the era, with its dramatic orchestration and soaring vocals.

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” remains a beloved classic, a testament to the power of great songwriting and unforgettable performances. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, and it continues to inspire and entertain audiences of all ages.

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Lyrics

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit lonely
And you’re never coming ’round

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit tired
Of listening to the sound of my tears

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit nervous
That the best of all the years have gone by

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit terrified
And then I see the look in your eyes

(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then
I fall apart

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit restless
And I dream of something wild

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit helpless
And I’m lying like a child in your arms

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit angry
And I know I’ve got to get out and cry

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I get a little bit terrified
But then I see the look in your eyes

(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then
I fall apart
Turn around, bright eyes
Every now and then
I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
We’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be making it right
‘Cause we’ll never be wrong

Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (all of the time)

I don’t know what to do and I’m always in the dark
We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks

I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
(Forever’s gonna start tonight)

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I’m only falling apart
There’s nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart

Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there’s only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes)

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I know you’ll never be the boy
You always wanted to be

(Turn around)
But every now and then
I know you’ll always be the only boy
Who wanted me the way that I am

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I know there’s no one in the universe
As magical and wondrous as you

(Turn around)
Every now and then
I know there’s nothing any better
There’s nothing that I just wouldn’t do

(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
We’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be making it right
‘Cause we’ll never be wrong

Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (all of the time)

I don’t know what to do
I’m always in the dark
Living in a powder keg and giving off sparks

I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
(Forever’s gonna start tonight)

Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I’m only falling apart
Nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart

Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there’s only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

A total eclipse of the heart
A total eclipse of the heart

(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around)