About the song
“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” a timeless classic from 1967, is not just a song but a testament to the enduring talent of Frankie Valli and the creative genius of Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, the minds behind its creation. Initially recorded and released by Frankie Valli, the song swiftly became one of his greatest solo successes, earning a gold record and peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Bob Gaudio, reflecting on the song’s journey, famously described it as “the one that almost got away,” highlighting its unlikely rise to fame spurred by the influential radio station CKLW in Windsor, Ontario. Despite initial reservations from the station’s program director, Paul Drew, a live performance at the Roostertail, where Valli was performing with the Four Seasons, changed everything. Drew, captivated by Valli’s charismatic rendition, promptly added the song to CKLW’s playlist. The response was immediate and overwhelming, solidifying “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” as a chart-topping sensation and securing its place in music history.
For Frankie Valli, the song marked a pivotal moment in his career. It allowed him to showcase a new vocal style, moving away from his trademark falsetto and exploring a broader musical range. This transition was pivotal, setting the stage for subsequent solo hits like “My Eyes Adored You” and “Swearin’ to God.”
Over the years, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” has been reimagined and covered in various styles, resonating across different cultures and generations. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its irresistible melody, heartfelt lyrics penned by Crewe and Gaudio, and Valli’s exceptional vocal delivery. Billboard praised the original recording for its “strong rhythm ballad material,” while Cash Box lauded its “smooth, gentle, softly spoken” romanticism, highlighting its universal appeal and lasting impact.
Today, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” remains a beloved classic, cherished for its timeless qualities and its ability to evoke emotions with each rendition. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and the transformative influence of a remarkable performer like Frankie Valli.
Video
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