Private Eyes

John Oates, Daryl Hall, Daryl Hall & John Oates

About Private Eyes

"Private Eyes" is a 1981 single by Daryl Hall & John Oates and the title track from their album of that year. The song was number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for two weeks, from November 7 through November 20, 1981. This single was the band's third of six number one hits (the first two being "Rich Girl" and "Kiss on My List"), and their second number one hit of the 1980s. It was succeeded in the number one position by Olivia Newton-John's "Physical," which was ironically succeeded by another single from Hall and Oates, "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)".  


Year:
1996
3:29
95 
#1

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I see you, you see me 
watch you blowin' the lines when you're making a scene 
Oh girl, you've got to know 
what my head overlooks 
the senses will show to my heart 
when it's watching for lies 
you can't escape my 

Private Eyes 
they're watching you 
they see your every move 
Private Eyes 
they're watching you 
Private Eyes 
they're watching you watching you watching you watching you 

You play with words you play with love 
you can twist it around baby that ain't enough 
cause girl I'm gonna know 
if you're letting me in or letting me go 
don't lie when you're hurting inside 
'cause you can't escape my 

Private Eyes 
they're watching you 
they see your every move 
Private Eyes 
they're watching you 
Private Eyes 
they're watching you watching you watching you watching you 

Why you try to put up a front for me 
I'm a spy but on your side you see 
Slip on, into any disguise 
I'll still know you 
look into my Private Eyes

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Daryl Hall & John Oates

Daryl Hall and John Oates, commonly known as Hall & Oates, are an American pop rock duo formed in Philadelphia in 1970. Daryl Hall is generally the lead vocalist; John Oates primarily plays electric guitar and provides backing vocals. The two write most of the songs they perform, separately or in collaboration. They achieved their greatest fame from the mid-1970s to the late 1980s with a fusion of rock and roll, soul music, and rhythm and blues.Though they are commonly referred to as Hall & Oates, Hall has been adamant about the duo being called Daryl Hall & John Oates – its official name. They have been credited on albums as Daryl Hall & John Oates (or Daryl Hall John Oates) on all of their US releases. The duo reached the US Top 40 with 29 of their 33 singl… more »

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Written by: Sara Allen, Janna M. Allen, Daryl Hall, Warren Pash

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Private Eyes" is a song by American pop music duo Daryl Hall & John Oates. The song was written by Daryl Hall, John Oates, Sara Allen, and Janna Allen.
Chart Performance
The song, released in 1981, reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the United States - a position it held for two weeks.
Album Performance
"Private Eyes" was the lead single and title track from their tenth studio album. The album itself peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 chart.
Recording & Production
The song was produced by Daryl Hall & John Oates along with their regular collaborator, Neil Kernon.
Lyrics & Theme
The lyrics of "Private Eyes" revolve around the theme of a man who is skeptic and uncertain about his romantic partner's loyalty and hence, transforms into a 'private eye' to watch each move she makes.
Genre & Style
Drawing influences from rock, R&B, and pop, the song carries Hall and Oates' signature pop-rock style, featuring a catchy refrain and harmonies.
Music Video
The music video for "Private Eyes" is noted for its gimmicky, slapstick comedy style. Both Daryl Hall and John Oates appear as detectives in the video, in line with the song's theme.
Legacy & Recognition
In addition to its commercial success, "Private Eyes" has been recognized by various music publications as one of the best songs of the 1980s and one of the duo's most iconic hits.
John Oates’ Perspective
John Oates has stated that the recording of "Private Eyes" demonstrated the band's ability to create a more rock and roll atmosphere in their music, reflecting their abilities to evolve and experiment.
Awards & Nominations
Though the song did not win any significant awards at the time, its influence and popularity led it to be inducted into the BMI Millionaire's Club, indicating that it has been played over a million times on U.S. radio.

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