The 1960s was an iconic decade for music, producing many classic songs that remain widely popular today. Based on the question “What was the song from the 60s blue eyes?”, it seems you are trying to identify a song from that era that has lyrics referring to blue eyes. While there are a number of possibilities, some likely candidates include “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” by Willie Nelson, and “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” by Crystal Gayle. In this article, we’ll explore the origins and history behind these songs, analyze their lyrical references to blue eyes, and examine why they may be the song you are searching for.
Background on Music of the 1960s
The 1960s was a revolutionary time for music. New genres like folk, rock, R&B, and pop were gaining popularity and transforming the musical landscape. The baby boomer generation was coming of age, bringing massive changes to culture and society. Music gave voice to young people’s desires for freedom, individuality, and political/social change. The counterculture movement, Civil Rights struggles, and Vietnam War all profoundly shaped 60s music.
Major events like the British Invasion, Woodstock, and the rise of Motown Records opened doors for new artists and sounds. The development of FM radio and LPs allowed songs to be longer and gain more creative freedom. Iconic bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, and The Supremes topped the charts, while individual singers like Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and Janis Joplin also rose to fame. The 60s music revolution helped define an entire generation and continues to inspire modern artists across all genres.
Analysis of “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes
“Be My Baby” is a 1963 pop song by American girl group The Ronettes. Known for its powerful “Wall of Sound” production, it became a #2 hit single that year and continues to rank among the most popular songs of the 60s. The lyrics tell the story of a girl pleading with her lover to make their relationship official and commit to lifelong love.
Several lines in the chorus reference blue eyes:
“The night we met I knew I needed you so
And if I had the chance I’d never let you go
So won’t you say you love me, I’ll make you so proud of me
We’ll make ’em turn their heads every place we go
So won’t you, please
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my little baby
(My one and only baby)
Say you’ll be my darling
(Be my, be my baby)
Be my baby now”
The blue eyes seem to represent the girl’s lover, as she expresses her devotion to him and desire for his reciprocated commitment. She wants to show him off proudly and have their love capture everyone’s gaze. The lyrics carry undertones of innocence, with the blue eyes symbolizing a youthful, true romance. Given its era and themes, “Be My Baby” seems a strong candidate for the blue eyes song you may be searching for.
Background on “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”
“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” was written and originally recorded by songwriter Fred Rose in 1945. In 1975, country singer Willie Nelson covered the song and released it as part of his album Red Headed Stranger. Nelson’s version became an iconiccountry hit, spending two weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles chart.
The melancholy lyrics tell of love lost and the painful memories that linger. The chorus goes:
“In the twilight glow I see them
Blue eyes crying in the rain
When we kissed goodbye and parted
I knew we’d never meet again
Love is like a dying ember
Only memories remain
Through the ages I’ll remember
Blue eyes crying in the rain”
Here the blue eyes clearly represent those of the speaker’s lover, crying as they share one final kiss before separating forever. The song reflects on enduring heartbreak and the power of memory. With its country style and evocative blue eyes imagery, this could potentially be the 60s song you are searching for.
History of “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”
While it was most popular in the 1970s, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” has origins back in the 60s folk scene. Singer-songwriter Richard Leigh originally wrote the song in 1969, and it was recorded by folk artist Sandy Posey in 1970 under the title “Brown Eyes Blue”. Though it failed to chart at that time, in 1977 country pop singer Crystal Gayle rerecorded the song as “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”.
Gayle’s version reached #1 on the Billboard country chart and even crossed over to #2 on the Hot 100 pop chart. It became one of the biggest country-pop crossover hits of the 70s. The lyrics express the heartbreak and longing felt when a lover leaves:
“Don’t it make my brown eyes blue
Don’t it make my brown eyes
Spent the night just crying over you
Don’t it make my brown eyes blue”
It’s an unusual twist on the typical blue eyes theme, with brown eyes turning blue from sorrow. The 60s origins and iconic blue eyes references make this a possibility for the song you may have in mind.
