Wonderful Tonight

Eric Clapton

About Wonderful Tonight

"Wonderful Tonight" is a ballad written by Eric Clapton. It was included on Clapton's 1977 album Slowhand. Clapton wrote the song about Pattie Boyd. The female vocal harmonies on the song are provided by Marcella Detroit (then Marcy Levy) and Yvonne Elliman.


Year:
1982
10,538 
#19

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It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear
She'll put on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me, do I look all right?
And I say, yes, you look wonderful tonight

We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that's walking around with me
And then she asks me, do you feel all right?
And I say, yes, I feel wonderful tonight

I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes

And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize how much I love you
It's time to go home now and I've got an aching head
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed

And then I tell her, as I turn out the light
I say, my darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight

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Eric Clapton

Eric Patrick Clapton, CBE (born 30 March 1945) is an English guitarist and singer-songwriter. Clapton is the only three-time inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: once as a solo artist, and separately as a member of The Yardbirds and Cream. Clapton has been referred to as one of the most important and influential guitarists of all time. Clapton ranked second in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and fourth in Gibson's Top 50 Guitarists of All Time. more »

19 fans

Written by: Eric Clapton

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Release Date
"Wonderful Tonight" was released in 1977. It is one of the most popular songs from Clapton's "Slowhand" album, his fifth studio record.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by Pattie Boyd, Clapton's then-wife. He wrote the song while waiting for her to get ready before they attended a Buddy Holly tribute party hosted by Paul and Linda McCartney in 1976.
Misspelling in Lyrics
In the original handwritten lyrics of "Wonderful Tonight," Clapton misspelled the word 'beautiful' as 'beatiful,' creating an endearing charm to the early drafts of the song.
Song Popularity
"Wonderful Tonight" is particularly popular for slow dances and weddings due to its romantic theme.
Chart Performance
The song reached number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S, and it peaked at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart.
Cover Versions
Since its release, "Wonderful Tonight" has been covered by several artists in various genres including country, pop, and jazz. Notable covers have been performed by Michael Buble, Don Williams, and David Kersh.
Recognition
It remains as one of Eric Clapton's signature songs and is considered a classic in soft rock music.
Clapton's Struggles
Clapton composed "Wonderful Tonight" during a period in his life when he was struggling with heroin addiction, making the song's success bittersweet for the artist.
Concert Staple
Clapton usually performs "Wonderful Tonight" during his concerts, making it one the most anticipated songs in his live performances.
Personal Interpretations
Some fans interpret the lyrics of "Wonderful Tonight" as a reflection of how Clapton's supportive and loving relationship with his wife helped him through his struggles with addiction.
Use in Media
The song has been featured in various films and television shows, most notably in the 1995 romantic comedy film "The Story of Us" starring Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer.

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    Wonderful Tonight

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1978

    Billboard #16


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