About the song
“You Can Do Magic” is a memorable song by singer-songwriter Russ Ballard, performed by the folk rock duo America. Released in 1982, this track was a highlight from America’s album *View from the Ground*.
Though the band’s members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell contributed their vocals in the studio, it was Russ Ballard who played all the instrumental parts on the song, except for the drums. The drumming was handled by Willie Leacox, America’s long-time touring drummer.
Russ Ballard wrote “You Can Do Magic” and another track, “Jody,” specifically for America. This was at the request of Rupert Perry, the A&R vice president at Capitol Records. Ballard also took on the role of producer for these tracks, marking his return to producing after a four-year break. Despite his previous success as a songwriter, “You Can Do Magic” was Ballard’s first major hit as a producer.
The song was a significant comeback for America, whose last Top 40 hit had been in 1976. With “You Can Do Magic,” the band returned to the Top 40 in August 1982, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in October and staying at that position for five weeks. This success helped the *View from the Ground* album climb to No. 41 on the Billboard 200, which was notable as it was the first time an album by America as a duo had reached the upper half of this chart.
Internationally, “You Can Do Magic” also performed well, charting in countries such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, and the UK. The song’s success led to America working with Russ Ballard again on their 1983 album *Your Move* and a re-recording of the song appeared on their 1994 album *Hourglass*.
Video
Lyrics
I never believed in things that I couldn’t see
I said if I can’t feel it then how can it be
No, no magic could happen to me
And then I saw you
I couldn’t believe it, you took my heart
I couldn’t retrieve it, said to myself
What’s it all about
Now I know there can be no doubt
You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire
You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
And when the rain is beatin’ upon the window pane
And when the night it gets so cold, when I can’t sleep
Again you come to me
I hold you tight, the rain disappears
Who would believe it
With a word you dry my tears
You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire
You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
And If I wanted to
I could never be free
I never believed it was true
But now it’s so clear to me
You can do magic
You can have anything that you desire
Magic, and you know
You’re the one who can put out the fire
You know darn well
When you cast your spell you will get your way
When you hypnotize with your eyes
A heart of stone can turn to clay
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo
You’re the one who can put out the fire
Doo, doo, doo
You’re the one who can put out the fire
Doo, doo, doo
You’re the one who can put out the fire