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Meaning Behind the Song “Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes
American Songwriter ^ | 4/20/23 | Alli Patton

Posted on 12/30/2023 6:43:53 PM PST by DallasBiff

The meaning behind Kim Carnes’ 1980s classic “Bette Davis Eyes” actually holds a warning. The song starts out enticing, but soon turns sour, becoming a tune of advice to anyone lured in by the woman depicted in the lyrics.

A song brimming with mystery, “Bette Davis Eyes” answers a few questions – like Who is she? What makes her so dangerous? Why must we stay away? – but maybe things are better left to the imagination.

The Origins

“Bette Davis Eyes” was written in 1974 by singer/songwriters Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon. The latter initially recorded the song, releasing it on her 1975 album, New Arrangement. However, it would not be until the early 1980s that the tune became the Kim Carnes hit we know it as today.

(Excerpt) Read more at americansongwriter.com ...


TOPICS: Chit/Chat; Music/Entertainment
KEYWORDS: bettedaviseyes; kincarnes
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One of those iconic songs of the early 80's.

1 posted on 12/30/2023 6:43:53 PM PST by DallasBiff
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To: DallasBiff

I always favored the sports themed cover version: “She’s Got Daryl Dawkins Thighs”


2 posted on 12/30/2023 6:51:01 PM PST by BenLurkin (The above is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion, or satire, or both.)
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To: DallasBiff

Is there an article on this? Link?


3 posted on 12/30/2023 6:52:12 PM PST by MV=PY (The Magic Question: Who's paying for it?)
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To: DallasBiff

Marty Feldman Eyes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC-ZK-lxws4


4 posted on 12/30/2023 6:52:47 PM PST by dfwgator (Endut! Hoch Hech!)
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To: DallasBiff

Everyone thinks she’s a spy


5 posted on 12/30/2023 6:54:08 PM PST by NWFree (Sigma male 🤪)
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To: DallasBiff

She knows just what it takes to make a crow blush.


6 posted on 12/30/2023 6:54:33 PM PST by Rastus
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To: MV=PY
Sorry,

Link

7 posted on 12/30/2023 6:58:37 PM PST by DallasBiff (Apology not accepted.la is not the sharpest knife in the drawer)
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To: DallasBiff

And why did Cinderella put her hands in her back pockets Bette Davis style?


8 posted on 12/30/2023 6:59:52 PM PST by hardspunned (Former DC GOP globalist stooge)
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To: Rastus
She knows just what it takes to make a crow blush.


9 posted on 12/30/2023 7:00:09 PM PST by chajin ("There is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12)
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To: NWFree

Not everyone. Just the boys.


10 posted on 12/30/2023 7:00:12 PM PST by Responsibility2nd (A truth that’s told with bad intent, Beats all the lies you can invent ~ Wm. Blake)
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To: MV=PY

https://americansongwriter.com/meaning-behind-the-song-bette-davis-eyes-by-kim-carnes/


11 posted on 12/30/2023 7:00:35 PM PST by granite ("It's a Barnum and Bailey World, Just as Phony as it can be.")
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To: Rastus

And a pro blush as well.

https://www.backofthecerealbox.com/2010/08/what-it-takes-to-make-pro-blush.html


12 posted on 12/30/2023 7:01:54 PM PST by Responsibility2nd (A truth that’s told with bad intent, Beats all the lies you can invent ~ Wm. Blake)
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To: DallasBiff

Thanks!


13 posted on 12/30/2023 7:04:02 PM PST by MV=PY (The Magic Question: Who's paying for it?)
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To: DallasBiff

“Bette Davis Eyes” was written in 1974 by singer/songwriters Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon.”

Jackie also wrote the song “Put a little love in your heart”.


14 posted on 12/30/2023 7:04:03 PM PST by GrandJediMasterYoda (As long as Hillary Clinton remains free, the USA will never have equal justice under the law)
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To: BenLurkin

Weird Al also changed it to “Marty Feldman eyes”


15 posted on 12/30/2023 7:05:17 PM PST by GrandJediMasterYoda (As long as Hillary Clinton remains free, the USA will never have equal justice under the law)
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To: BenLurkin

In the 80’s there was a woman bicycle racer named Betsy Davis who was a pretty big girl. You can guess the rest.


16 posted on 12/30/2023 7:07:03 PM PST by Tijeras_Slim
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To: BenLurkin

There was the Weurd Al Yankovitch parody, “She’s got Lou Ferrigno Thighs.” I can’t hear the original without singing that line - drive my wife nuts. :>)


17 posted on 12/30/2023 7:07:07 PM PST by Ancesthntr (“The right to buy weapons is the right to be free.” ― A.E. Van Vogt, The Weapons Shops of Isher)
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To: Ancesthntr

Lol, I never heard of this one.


18 posted on 12/30/2023 7:20:46 PM PST by rdl6989 ( )
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To: DallasBiff

Beautiful photo of Bette Davis.


19 posted on 12/30/2023 7:27:56 PM PST by yelostar (Spook codes 33 and 13. See them often in headlines and news stories. )
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To: yelostar

Young Bette Davis was lovely.

Old Bette Davis was a scary grandma.


20 posted on 12/30/2023 7:32:46 PM PST by DarrellZero
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