BETTE Davis’ eyes are among the most distinctive to ever grace Hollywood — so much so they were immortalised in a tribute tune by Kim Carnes.
But what colour were her powerful peepers and what are the lyrics to the hit song?
1
What colour were Bette Davis’ eyes?
Bette Davis will forever be remembered for her roles on the big screen and TV.
She was often filmed in close-up shots thanks to her distinctive deep blue eyes.
However, during the era of black and white cinematography, those blue eyes often appeared brown or hazel as a result.
Why did Kim Carnes write her song?
“Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes is a classic pop hit from the early ’80s — and as the name suggests, it celebrates the iconic Hollywood actress.
The song — famous for its infectious beat, catchy melody and clever lyrics — was originally written back in 1974 by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, the latter recording the song that same year for her album New Arrangement.
According to DeSahnnon, they got the idea for the tune after watching Bette perform in the movie Now Voyager.
However, it would not be until the early 1980s that the tune became the Kim Carnes hit we know it as today.
Carnes’ version, which was released in 1981, quickly became an international success.
The song spent nine non-consecutive weeks at at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one on the charts in 20 other countries.
The tune also won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Bette was 73-years-old when Carnes’ version of the song became a hit.
As a result Bette wrote letters to Kim, Donna and Jackie to thank them for making her “a part of modern times.”
Following the Grammy wins, Davis also sent the recipients roses to congratulate them.
The song has been covered by a number of famous faces including Taylor Swift, Kylie Minogue and American actress Gwyneth Paltrow.
What are the lyrics to Bette Davis Eyes?
(Verse 1)
Her hair is Harlow gold
Her lips are sweet surprise
Her hands are never cold
She’s got Bette Davis’ eyes
(Verse 2)
She’ll turn the music on you
You won’t have to think twice
She’s pure as New York snow
She got Bette Davis’ eyes
(Chorus 1)
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
(Verse 3)
She’ll let you take her home
It whets her appetite
She’ll lay you on the throne
She’s got Bette Davis’ eyes
(Verse 4)
She’ll take a tumble on you
Roll you like you were dice
Until you come out blue
She’s got Bette Davis’ eyes
(Chorus 2)
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
(Chorus 1)
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
All the boys think she’s a spy, she’s got Bette Davis eyes
(Outro)
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
She knows you, she’s got Bette Davis’ eyes
