About the song
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” a timeless classic from 1967, epitomizes the enduring charm of pop music with its captivating melody and heartfelt lyrics. Written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, this iconic song was originally recorded and released as a single by Frankie Valli, marking a significant milestone in his solo career after his success with The Four Seasons.
The song quickly became one of Valli’s biggest hits, achieving gold record status and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity, however, almost didn’t happen as Gaudio described it as “the one that almost got away.” It was the intervention of CKLW, a prominent radio station in Windsor, Ontario, that transformed its fate. Initially unsure, program director Paul Drew was persuaded to listen to Valli perform live at the Roostertail in Detroit. The enthusiastic reception from listeners led to the song’s immediate inclusion in the station’s playlist, sparking a nationwide sensation.
For Frankie Valli, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” represented a departure from his falsetto-driven sound, paving the way for a new phase in his musical journey. Valli’s desire to explore different musical styles and narratives found fulfillment through subsequent hits like “My Eyes Adored You” and “Swearin’ to God,” solidifying his status as a versatile vocalist in both group and solo settings.
The song’s original recording, featuring an arrangement by Gaudio and Artie Schroeck and produced by Bob Crewe at A & R Studio 2 in New York City, captured a blend of rhythmic balladry and emotional resonance. Its melodic echoes of Aram Khachaturian’s “Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia” added a classical touch that resonated with audiences globally.
Beyond Valli’s rendition, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” has been reinterpreted by numerous artists across decades and genres. From Andy Williams to Gloria Gaynor, from the Pet Shop Boys to Surf Mesa, each rendition has brought a fresh perspective while honoring the song’s enduring appeal. Whether as a heartfelt ballad, a dance-floor anthem, or a cinematic soundtrack, its versatility continues to captivate listeners worldwide.
In conclusion, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” remains a quintessential piece of music history, cherished for its melodic beauty, lyrical depth, and Frankie Valli’s soulful interpretation. Its impact extends beyond its initial release, transcending generations and musical boundaries to remain a beloved classic in the annals of popular music.
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Lyrics
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
You’d be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last, love has arrived
And I thank God I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
Pardon the way that I stare
There’s nothin’ else to compare
The sight of you leaves me weak
There are no words left to speak
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it’s real
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
I love you, baby
And if it’s quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don’t bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I’ve found you, stay
And let me love you, baby
Let me love you
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off of you
You’d be like Heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last, love has arrived
And I thank God I’m alive
You’re just too good to be true
Can’t take my eyes off you
I love you, baby
And if it’s quite alright
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely night
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don’t bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I’ve found you, stay
Oh, pretty baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby