Medley met his singing partner Bobby Hatfield while attending California State University, Long Beach. The pair began singing as a duo in 1962. Their first single was "Little Latin Lupe Lu"; their first hit was "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'", produced by Phil Spector in 1964. Follow-up hits included "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration" and "Unchained Melody".
The duo broke up in 1968, but returned with another hit in 1974, "Rock And Roll Heaven", and they continued to appear together until Hatfield's death in November 2003. The Righteous Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2003 by one of their biggest fans, Billy Joel.
Medley also had a moderately successful solo career. In 1987 his duet with Jennifer Warnes, "(I've Had) The Time of My Life", was included on the Dirty Dancing motion picture soundtrack album and the single reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also won a 1988 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Brown Eyed Woman
Bill Medley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not a man baby, all I am is what I symbolize.
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
I could love you so, (no no) I could love you so, (no no)
brown-eyed woman I could love you so.
Um, um, um. All of the years all the hate and the fears
have twisted your heart.
Now you turn away, you won't trust what I say
and it's tearing me apart.
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away baby.)
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
I could love you so, (no no) I could love you so, (no no)
brown-eyed woman I could love you so.
Yes, yes, I'm holding out my hand to you.
Darling tell me, tell me please what more can I do,
brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
I want you, I need you. (Stay away, baby.)
I'm holding out my hand. (Stay away, baby.)
I want you, I need you. (Stay away, baby.)
I'm holding out my hand. (Stay away, baby.)
I want you, I need you. (Stay away, baby.)
Bill Medley's song Brown Eyed Woman seems to be about a man who is in love with a woman with brown eyes, but for some reason, she is hesitant to reciprocate his love. He acknowledges that she only sees his blue eyes, which suggests that she is not looking beyond his appearance to truly get to know him. He muses on how all he symbolizes is his appearance, which speaks to how people often make judgments based solely on looks rather than taking the time to get to know someone.
The chorus, "Brown-eyed woman, stay away baby," seems to suggest that the man knows that the woman is not ready for a relationship, likely due to past "years, hate, and fears" that have "twisted her heart." Despite this, the man expresses that he could love her so, highlighting his intense feelings for the woman in question. However, he acknowledges that she won't trust what he says, which is taking a toll on him emotionally.
Towards the end of the song, the man asks the woman what more he can do to win her over, reaffirming his desire to be with her. He repeats that he wants and needs her while holding out his hand, but the chorus reminds her to stay away.
Overall, Brown Eyed Woman is a poignant song that explores the nuances of unrequited love and the struggle to communicate one's feelings to someone else, especially when they are dealing with their own emotional baggage.
Line by Line Meaning
You look at me and baby, all you see are my blue eyes.
You judge me purely based on my physical appearance, specifically my eye color.
I'm not a man baby, all I am is what I symbolize.
I'm not just a person, but rather a representation of something else.
Brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
I'm warning you to stay away from a certain woman with brown eyes.
I could love you so, (no no) I could love you so, (no no) brown-eyed woman I could love you so.
Despite the warning, I can't help but feel strongly drawn to this woman with brown eyes.
Um, um, um. All of the years all the hate and the fears have twisted your heart.
Your past experiences have caused emotional damage and changed who you are as a person.
Now you turn away, you won't trust what I say and it's tearing me apart.
Your lack of trust in me is causing me emotional pain and distress.
Yes, yes, I'm holding out my hand to you. Darling tell me, tell me please what more can I do, brown-eyed woman. (Stay away, baby.)
Despite the warning, I'm still trying to reach out and connect with this woman, hoping for a chance to prove my sincerity.
I want you, I need you. (Stay away, baby.) I'm holding out my hand. (Stay away, baby.)
I can't help but feel a strong desire for this woman, but at the same time, I'm warning myself to be cautious and keep my distance.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BARRY MANN, CYNTHIA WEIL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ETsonggalaxy
Rare videos by Bill Medley are so special! This song -" Brown Eyed Woman " should have had hit the top charts! Great song, and NO one can do this song better than Bill! He has such an UNUSUAL voice, so RARE , so beautiful! NO wander why he made fame , he deserves the Golden Hall of Fame, and Bobby Hatfield , his partner! Medley, Bill is remarkable!
@nallazander2575
Wow, what a distinct, strong, masculine, beautiful, soulful voice. I grew up listening to this rugged, macnificent voice!!!!Everyone loved Bill.........I can appreciate Bill's voice so much more as an adult!!!
@mrb4749
Bill is one of the greatest singers in music history. He's 83 or so still performing with Bucky Heard, I just know the concerts must be great!
@pghpookie
The smile on Darlene Love's face tells the whole story.....Bill's brown eyed woman.....
@drummerc1795
pghpookie yes and he kind of made it clear during that performance. This is one of the greatest R&B recordings ever for two reasons....Bill Medley and the Blossoms. Thanks so much for posting this. It's so good to see them together
@teedtad2534
During his time,. Bill Medley has the most powerful voice! The way he raised his pitches and drop down and any thing between! Bill Medley a very exciting person to watch! ," Brown Eyed Woman". One of his best!!! ...we love you Bill Medley! 🐼🐼🐼🐼🐼
@charleswoods6154
Beautiful Blue Eyed Soul! Beautiful song. Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield were way ahead of their time, so cool! Bobby left us too early. I loved their music!
@roseblake5803
No wonder Darlene is smiling so much, she knew Bill was singing this about her.
@weatherthestorm
I thought, I was the only one who thought that. Guess I am in good company.
@sharronfoxx69
Right!🥰