About the song
“When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” by Dr. Hook is a timeless anthem that embodies the essence of late 1970s pop rock. Written by Even Stevens, the song’s journey to success is as intriguing as its lyrics. Initially featured on Dr. Hook’s 1978 album *Pleasure and Pain*, it gained moderate attention before unexpectedly skyrocketing to international fame in 1979.
Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Alabama, the song’s production under Ron Haffkine’s guidance was marked by a quirky anecdote: Stevens famously pitched the song to Haffkine in a studio bathroom, a move that set the stage for its eventual chart-topping success.
In the United States, “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying its status as a transatlantic hit. Across the pond, the song ascended to the top of the UK Singles Chart in November 1979, where it reigned supreme for weeks. Its infectious melody and relatable lyrics struck a chord with audiences worldwide, propelling it to top positions in charts across Europe, Canada, and New Zealand as well.
The song’s popularity was further underscored by its certifications: it earned gold status in Canada and the United Kingdom, with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certifying it gold in the United States for sales exceeding one million units.
Beyond its commercial success, “When You’re in Love with a Beautiful Woman” remains a cultural touchstone, epitomizing Dr. Hook’s ability to blend catchy hooks with poignant storytelling. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal theme of love and longing, encapsulated in a melody that continues to resonate with listeners decades after its initial release.
Video
Lyrics
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
It’s hard
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You know it’s hard (it’s hard, you know it gets so hard)
Everybody wants her, everybody loves her
Everybody wants to take your baby home
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You watch your friends
(You watch your friends, you better watch your friends)
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
It never ends (it never ends, you know it never ends)
You know that it’s crazy, you wanna trust her
Then somebody hangs up when you answer the phone
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You go it alone
Maybe it’s just an ego problem
Problem is I’ve been fooled before
By fair-weather friends and faint hearted lovers
And every time it happens, it just convinces me more
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You watch her eyes (watch her eyes, baby, watch her eyes)
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You look for lies (keep lookin’ for lies, baby, look for lies)
Everybody tempts her, everybody tells her
She’s the most beautiful woman they know
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You go it alone
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You watch your friends (you watch your friends)
(You better watch your friends, you better look out)
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
Oh, it never ends (it never ends, you know it never ends)
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
You watch her eyes (watch her eyes, baby, watch her eyes)
(You better watch her eyes)
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman
Keep lookin’ for lies (keep lookin’ for lies, keep lookin’ for lies)
When you’re in love with a beautiful woman…