Angel Eyes
Anita O’Day Lyrics

In "Angel Eyes" by Anita O'Day, the lyrics speak to the absence of love and the longing for someone special, referred to as "angel eyes." The singer is trying to convince themselves that love is not present, but deep down, it feels uncomfortably close. The heartache is intensified by the fact that their own heart is not moving forward because their angel-eyed love is not by their side.

The phrase "angel eyes" is used metaphorically here to describe the captivating and irresistible nature of someone the singer has fallen for. It is compared to the glow of the eyes of a devil, possessing an intensity that is both alluring yet unbearable. The singer acknowledges that their love for this person may be misguided or misplaced, suggesting that they may have invested their emotions in someone who doesn't reciprocate those feelings.

The chorus of the song reveals a desire to escape from the despair and numbness caused by the absence of love. It implores everyone around them to indulge in drinks and enjoyment, offering to pay for all the merry-making. This can be seen as a temporary distraction or a way to numb the pain caused by the absence of their beloved.

As the song progresses, the singer realizes they cannot continue in this state of emptiness. They feel compelled to seek out someone else who could potentially become the new number one in their life, or at least find out why their angel-eyed love is no longer present. The repetition of the phrase "I gotta find" emphasizes their determination to seek answers and move on from the pain caused by the absence of their angel-eyed love.

In the final lines, the singer concludes that they must retreat and disappear for a moment. This suggests a need for personal reflection and introspection on their feelings, as well as a pause to heal from the absence of love. The song expresses vulnerability, longing, and a struggle to find resolution when one's heart is left empty without the presence of their beloved.