This song was inspired by the UK horror/sci-fi series “Journey to the Unknown” episode titled “Eve” that was the tenth episode of the first season and aired on September 26, 1968. It starred Dennis Waterman as a shy, unlucky in love sales clerk named Albert Baker who finds himself falling in love with a mannequin named Eve (played by Carol Lynley) that comes to life in his fantasies.
In an interview on the duo official site, Richard revels that him and Karen were planning on redoing "Eve" and "Someday", two songs that were always near and dear to the duo, unfortunatelly they never got to do so due to Karen's passing.
Eve
Carpenters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That you could mean
What you just said
Think of what you are
Look into the mirror
Nothing there to see
Eve I can't believe
You'd really leave him
(*) Notice how her image saddens
How lonely she's become
Just once I'd like to see her happy
Before the winter comes
Eve, I wouldn't lie
The open sky is not your home
Wide as it may be
Reality is here among the stones
Thorns among the roses
Add to what is real
Eve, you are a rose
Among the thorns here
Repeat (*)
I wish her only good times
Before the winter comes
The Carpenters' song "Eve" is a melancholic tune that speaks to a woman named Eve who seems to be struggling with who she really is. Karen Carpenter sings about Eve's departure from her partner and how she can't believe that Eve would leave her man. The lyrics portray her as lost and distant from reality. Carpenter encourages Eve to take a good look at herself in the mirror, but she shines little light on what Eve would find. The song suggests that Eve is alienated from herself and that she possesses a lack of clarity and perspective in her life.
The song's meaning is metaphorical, and the lyrics are open to interpretation. Still, it seems to describe someone who is struggling to reconcile their inner self with the world around them. There is an element of sadness in the song, a sense of lament for the life Eve seems to be forced to live, and the people she loves but can't seem to be with. The idea of winter coming is also present, suggesting that change is on the horizon, but it is unlikely to be welcome. In essence, "Eve" is a song about the difficulties of knowing oneself, and the struggle to find a place in the world when you don't.
Line by Line Meaning
Eve I can't believe
The singer is shocked and surprised by something Eve has said or done
That you could mean
The singer questions whether Eve truly intended to say or do what she did
What you just said
The singer is referring to something Eve has recently said that they find hard to believe
Think of what you are
The artist is urging Eve to consider her actions and their impact
How very far you are from being real
The artist suggests that Eve's behavior is not authentic or genuine
Look into the mirror
The singer is advising Eve to take a close look at herself
Nothing there to see
The singer implies that Eve is lacking in some way
Eve I can't believe
The artist is once again expressing disbelief at Eve's actions or words
You'd really leave him
The artist is referring to Eve possibly ending a relationship
Notice how her image saddens
The artist is indicating that Eve's appearance reflects her emotional state
How lonely she's become
The singer observes that Eve is feeling isolated and alone
Just once I'd like to see her happy
The artist expresses a desire for Eve's happiness
Before the winter comes
The singer is hoping Eve will find happiness soon, before a potentially difficult time
Eve, I wouldn't lie
The singer is making a sincere statement to Eve
The open sky is not your home
The singer implies that Eve is not meant for a life outside of reality
Wide as it may be
The artist acknowledges that the world is vast and expansive
Reality is here among the stones
The artist is indicating that reality exists in the mundane, everyday aspects of life
Thorns among the roses
The singer is using this phrase as a metaphor for the negative aspects of life that exist alongside the positive
Add to what is real
The singer suggests that the negative aspects of life contribute to the true nature of reality
Eve, you are a rose
The artist is paying Eve a compliment
Among the thorns here
The artist acknowledges that Eve is surrounded by negativity and difficulty
I wish her only good times
The artist is expressing a hope for Eve's happiness
Before the winter comes
The singer reiterates their hope for Eve's happiness before a potentially difficult time
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOHN BETTIS, RICHARD LYNN CARPENTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@araceligaetamartinez7016
Eve, I can't believe that you could mean
What you just said
Think of what you are
How very far you are from being real
Look into the mirror
Nothing there to see
Eve, I can't believe
You'd really leave him
Notice how her image saddens
How lonely she's become
Just once I'd like to see her happy
(Ohh ohh ohh ohh)
Before the winter comes
Eve, I wouldn't lie
The open sky is not your home
Wide as it may be
Reality is here among the stones
Thorns among the roses
Add to what is real
Eve, you are a rose
Among the thorns here
Notice how her image saddens
How lonely she's become
(Just)
Just once I'd like to see her happy
(Ohh ohh ohh ohh)
Before the winter comes
I wish her only good times
Before the winter comes
@carolynbarnes7098
So sad to know she felt her voice was never enough..She bought so much solace and comfort to so many people. .
@susanbernard5014
I believe this may be my favorite song. Never heard when I was younger (1970’s) on the radio, but GOD! Her voice here! She’s also probably playing drums! Arrangement is lovely too! 💖💖
@Deputy-Seraph
Betting it was never played on the radio. Title song barely played. This album didn't fair too well. For shame. Her voice became sweeter. No matter what, this is stunning.
@stevetournay6103
My favourite Carpenters song (not a very easy choice to make!). Eerily prescient lyrics. Listening on 4 February 2023. Forty years ago today KC left us...
@jtrover
This clearly should've been released as a single. Among their best.
@carried.4515
One of her best performances. Her voice is so gorgeously lush
@MN-mn3qv
Agree ,listening to this song almost everyday now..Karen voice is so hypnotic, I'm getting addicted to it.
@lindafan1
Agree 100%!!
@sammy2840
If Karen sings a song...any song...don't try to sing it again - ever! She owns it with her classic beauty and sound!
@analogasmr
Nobody can sing as hauntingly as Karen Carpenter. She really didn't have to try, it just came out that way.