About the song
“Lyin’ Eyes” is a song by the Eagles that has left a lasting mark on the world of rock music. Written by Don Henley and Glenn Frey, it was recorded and released by the band in 1975 as the second single from their album *One of These Nights*. The song quickly made an impact, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 8 on the Billboard Country chart, becoming their only top 40 country hit until “How Long” in 2007–2008.
The inspiration for “Lyin’ Eyes” came during a visit to Dan Tana’s, a popular Los Angeles restaurant and bar known for its lively atmosphere and attractive patrons. Frey and Henley observed a young woman with a much older, wealthier man, which led to a conversation about deceitful relationships. Frey remarked on the woman’s “lyin’ eyes,” which sparked the creation of the song’s concept.
The writing process was notably smooth for Henley and Frey. As Frey later described, the story behind the song felt inherent and the lyrics flowed effortlessly. This ease in songwriting was a contrast to the often challenging process of creating music.
“Lyin’ Eyes” stands out as the only track on the *One of These Nights* album where Frey took the lead vocals solo. The song’s success was marked by its strong performance on various charts and critical acclaim. It was awarded a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group, or Chorus and earned a nomination for Record of the Year.
The song’s appeal extends beyond its initial release. It has been covered by several artists, including Lynn Anderson and Kenny Rankin, and is noted for its country-flavored rock style. The Eagles’ own rendition has been recognized as one of their greatest songs, praised for its storytelling and harmonious blend of rock and country influences.
Overall, “Lyin’ Eyes” remains a beloved classic, reflecting the Eagles’ skill in merging narrative lyrics with engaging melodies, and it continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
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