Old Devil Moon
Anita O’Day Lyrics
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Something in your eyes I see
Soon begins bewitching me
It's that old devil moon
That you stole from the skies
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
You and you glance make this romance
Stars in the night
Blazing their light
Can't hold a candle
To your razzle-dazzle
You've got me flyin' high and wide
On a magic carpet ride
Full of butterflies inside
Wanna cry, wanna croon
Wanna laugh like a loon
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
Just when I think
I'm free as a dove
Old devil moon
Deep in your eyes
Blinds me with love
The lyrics to Anita O'Day's song "Old Devil Moon" describe the overwhelming and enchanting effect that someone's eyes can have on the singer. The song portrays the eyes as possessing a mesmerizing power that captivates and bewitches the singer. The reference to the "old devil moon" stolen from the skies suggests that this person's eyes hold a mysterious and irresistible charm.
The lyrics further convey the intense attraction between the singer and the person they are addressing. The romance between them is described as too hot to handle, and the presence of stars in the night pales in comparison to the luminosity emanating from this person's eyes. Their gaze is described as razzle-dazzle, signifying the overwhelming spark and attraction that the singer experiences. This intense connection makes the singer feel euphoric, as if they are flying high on a magic carpet ride, filled with butterflies inside. The strong emotions evoked by this person's eyes leave the singer feeling a mix of emotions, wanting to cry, croon, and laugh like a loon. Ultimately, the power of the "old devil moon" in their eyes blinds the singer with love, entrapping them in an irresistible affection.
Overall, "Old Devil Moon" is a passionate and poetic expression of the overwhelming power of love and attraction. Through vivid and evocative imagery, O'Day paints a picture of the enchantment and intensity that can be experienced through the connection between two individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
I look at you and suddenly
When I gaze upon you, all of a sudden
Something in your eyes I see
I perceive something captivating in your eyes
Soon begins bewitching me
It promptly begins enchanting me
It's that old devil moon
It is that mischievous moon
That you stole from the skies
That you took from the heavens
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
It is that mischievous moon reflected in your eyes
You and you glance make this romance
You and your fleeting look create this love affair
Too hot to handle
Excessively intense to manage
Stars in the night
Celestial bodies illuminating the darkness
Blazing their light
Radiating their brilliance
Can't hold a candle
Cannot compare
To your razzle-dazzle
To your captivating and impressive display
You've got me flyin' high and wide
You have elevated me to ecstatic heights
On a magic carpet ride
On a fantastical journey
Full of butterflies inside
Overflowing with butterflies in my stomach
Wanna cry, wanna croon
Desire to weep, desire to sing with emotion
Wanna laugh like a loon
Wish to burst into uncontrollable laughter
It's that old devil moon in your eyes
It is that mischievous moon reflected in your eyes
Just when I think
Exactly when I believe
I'm free as a dove
I am liberated like a dove
Old devil moon
Mischievous moon
Deep in your eyes
Profoundly within your eyes
Blinds me with love
Overwhelms me with affection
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Burton Lane, E. Y. Harburg
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jackd8602
Saw her in Newport in 1950s. Fabulous still!
@uhoh007
Oscar never could slow down.....draggin poor Anita along.
@sbf516
I stumbled on Anita O'Day because I loved the funny way she looks on her "The Most" album. I love her inflections.
@guitarfoundry
what a line up
@montmorency1950
You could count the number of great (white) female jazz singers on your one hand on a good day and Anita would be one of them. Of course we love and adore all the women of jazz. But I only discovered Anita recently and she is simple so cool.
@donnakaysings
OMG... I don't think there's a better version of this tune! Just listened to Sarah Vaughn's version, which is also incredible.
@douglassharpe55
try Ella live 1968
@popspops819
I’ve loved Carmen McRae,s version since th 50s
@UrsulaPowers
Love it!
@RaySherman1000
Pianist: Oscar Peterson, guitarist: Herb Ellis, bassist: Ray Brown, drummer: John Poole. Composed by Burton Lane, with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, for the 1947 musical Finian's Rainbow.