Born in Pasadena, California, Carnes pursued a songwriting career from an early age. She was a member of the New Christy Minstrels from 1966 to 1970. Kenny Rogers was also a member, and during this time Carnes met and married Dave Ellingson, with whom she would write most of her songs. For a short while in the early 1970s, she and Ellingson formed the folk duo Kim and Dave. Their track "Nobody Knows"" features on the Vanishing Point soundtrack, alongside another Carnes-Ellison track, "Sing Out for Jesus", performed by Big Mama Thornton.
Carnes began releasing solo music in the early 1970s. Her self-titled album in 1975 contained her first hit, You're a Part of Me" – later re-recorded as a duet with Gene Cotton. Carnes recorded her third album, Sailin', with producer Jerry Wexler. One track, "Love Comes From Unexpected Places", won best song at the 1977 American Song Festival and gained some additional notice after it was recorded by Barbra Streisand on her 1977 album, Superman.
In 1980, Carnes and Ellingson were invited to write a concept album for Kenny Rogers. Gideon follows the story of a fictional cowboy, with each track focusing on a moment in his life. Rogers asked Carnes to record "Don't Fall in Love with a Dreamer" as a duet, and it became a major hit on the country and pop charts. Her cover version of the Smokey Robinson & The Miracles song "More Love" became her first solo hit single in 1980 when it reached the U.S. Top 10.
In 1981 she recorded the Jackie DeShannon and Donna Weiss song "Bette Davis Eyes". As the first single released from the album Mistaken Identity, it spent 9 weeks at number one on the US singles charts and became a worldwide hit. The single went on to become the #1 bestseller for the year and won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. It is second only to Olivia Newton-John's "Physical" (released later in 1981 and late enough to be the number one single of 1982), which spent 10 weeks at number one, as the biggest hit of the entire decade of the 1980s. In 1986, she recorded "Room Enough For Two," theme to CBS sitcom "My Sister Sam" starring Pam Dawber and the late Rebecca Schaeffer.
It is ironic that Carnes' best known and most popular song "Bette Davis Eyes" written in 1974 was originally rejected by Carnes. It was only after a new instrumental arrangement was done by Bill Cuomo that Carnes agreed to record it and it became a huge hit. Bette Davis admitted to being a fan of the song and approached Carnes and the songwriters to thank them. Davis wrote to Carnes after the song was released and stated that she was very pleased with the song as it made her seem very up to date with her grandson. She had Carnes sing the song live for her at a tribute held just before her death.
Carnes continued to record and released several albums into the 1990s. These releases failed to reach the level of success of "Bette Davis Eyes", but by this time she was a highly respected songwriter, and collaborated with such artists as Barbra Streisand. Carnes has written three number one country songs: “The Heart Won’t Lie”, a hit duet for Reba McEntire and Vince Gill, “Don’t Fall In Love With A Dreamer”, a huge hit duet she performed with Kenny Rogers, and “Make No Mistake She’s Mine”, a duet performed by Kenny Rogers and Ronnie Milsap. The latter song was originally "Make No Mistake, He's Mine," a No. 51 Pop hit in 1984 for Carnes and Streisand featured on Streisand's album Emotion. Also in 1984, Carnes sang on the No. 1 Adult Contemporary hit "What About Me?" with Rogers and James Ingram.
Co-writing with others, Carnes has had songs covered by such country stars as Deana Carter, Kevin Sharp, Sawyer Brown, Suzy Bogguss, Pam Tillis and Tanya Tucker. She wrote "You Don't Love Me Anymore," a hit song on Tim McGraw's album A Place In The Sun.
In 2004, she re-appeared with a self-released album Chasin' Wild Trains.
In August 2005, her 1981 single “Draw Of The Cards” hit #1 on the internet radio request site FreezeFrameRadio.com.
She currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
Discography
* Rest on Me (1972)
* Kim Carnes (1975)
* Sailin' (1976)
* St Vincent's Court (1979)
* Romance Dance (1980) US #57
* Mistaken Identity (1981) US #1
* Voyeur (1982) US #49
* Cafe Racers (1983) US #97
* Barking at Airplanes (1985) US #48
* Light House (1986) US #116
* View from the House (1988)
* Checking Out The Ghosts (1991)
* Gypsy Honeymoon: Best of Kim Carnes (1993)
* Chasin' Wild Trains' (2004)
Bette Davis Eyes
Kim Carnes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Her lips a sweet surprise
Her hands are never cold
She's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll turn her music on you
You won't have to think twice
She's pure as New York snow
She got Bette Davis eyes
And she'll tease you, she'll unease you
All the better just to please you
She's precocious, and she knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
She got Greta Garbo's standoff sighs, she's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll let you take her home
It whets her appetite
She'll lay you on a throne
She got Bette Davis eyes
She'll take a tumble on you
Roll you like you were dice
Until you come out blue
She's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll expose you, when she snows you
Offer feed with the crumbs she throws you
She's ferocious and she knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she's a spy, she's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll tease you, she'll unease you
All the better just to please you
She's precocious, and she knows just what it
Takes to make a pro blush
All the boys think she's a spy, she's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll tease you
She'll unease you
Just to please you
She's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll expose you
When she snows you
'Cause she knows you, she's got Bette Davis Eyes
She'll tease you
The song "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes is a classic hit that explores the enchanting qualities of a woman that are reminiscent of Hollywood legend Bette Davis. The lyrics suggest that the woman in question has Harlow gold hair and lips that are a sweet surprise. Her hands are warm, and she possesses Bette Davis's alluring eyes. The song goes on to describe the woman's confidence and her ability to effortlessly captivate those around her with her charm and wit.
The lyrics acknowledge the woman as precocious and coy, teasing and uneasing her admirers just to please them. However, her ferocity is equally emphasized, as she "exposes" and "snows" those who underestimate her. The line "All the boys think she's a spy" implies that the singer is a bit of a mystery, yet still irresistible.
Overall, the song highlights the many facets and charms of a captivating woman, and how these qualities mirror those of Bette Davis. The tune's strong beat, catchy chorus, and classic sound were major contributors to its popularity in the '80s and its relevance even today.
Line by Line Meaning
Her hair is Harlow gold
Her hair is a rich, lustrous blonde color, reminiscent of the iconic actress Jean Harlow.
Her lips a sweet surprise
Her lips are enticing and irresistible, drawing you in with their sweetness.
Her hands are never cold
Her touch is always warm and inviting, making you feel safe and comfortable in her presence.
She's got Bette Davis eyes
She possesses the mysterious and alluring gaze of the famous actress Bette Davis, drawing you in with her captivating eyes.
She'll turn her music on you
She will introduce you to new and exciting music that will have you hooked and wanting more.
You won't have to think twice
You can trust her taste in music and follow her lead without hesitation.
She's pure as New York snow
She is innocent and pure, like the freshly fallen snow in New York City.
She got Bette Davis eyes
She continues to hold the captivating gaze of Bette Davis, drawing you in with her mysterious and alluring eyes.
And she'll tease you, she'll unease you
She enjoys playing with your emotions, testing you and causing you to feel a little uneasy at times.
All the better just to please you
She does this to please you and make you feel desired and special.
She's precocious, and she knows just what it
She is clever and knows exactly how to play the game and make you fall for her.
Takes to make a pro blush
She has the ability to make even the most experienced person blush with her teasing and flirtation.
She got Greta Garbo's standoff sighs, she's got Bette Davis eyes
She not only has the captivating gaze of Bette Davis, but also possesses the aloof and mysterious demeanor of actress Greta Garbo.
She'll let you take her home
She will allow you to take her home, revealing a vulnerable side to her that is not often seen.
It whets her appetite
This experience excites and stimulates her, making her want more.
She'll lay you on a throne
She will make you feel like royalty, showering you with attention and admiration.
She got Bette Davis eyes
Once again, she draws you in with the captivating gaze of Bette Davis.
She'll take a tumble on you
She'll be passionate and intense in the bedroom, throwing herself into the physical experience with you.
Roll you like you were dice
She will take control and lead the way, adding a sense of excitement and unpredictability to the encounter.
Until you come out blue
She will continue until you are left feeling completely exhausted and fulfilled.
She'll expose you, when she snows you
She will reveal your weaknesses, making you feel vulnerable and exposed in her presence.
Offer feed with the crumbs she throws you
She will give you just enough to keep you hooked and wanting more, offering small gestures and glimpses of affection.
She's ferocious and she knows just what it
She is fierce and knows how to get what she wants, playing on your desires and vulnerabilities to her advantage.
Takes to make a pro blush
Once again, she has the ability to make even the most experienced person blush with her teasing and flirtation.
All the boys think she's a spy, she's got Bette Davis eyes
Her captivating and mysterious gaze draws the attention of everyone around her, causing them to wonder what secrets she may be hiding.
Lyrics © KAREN SCHAUBEN PUBLISHING ADMINISTRATION, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Donna Weiss, Jackie De Shannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kimcarnesofficial
Bette Davis Eyes – 100 million views on YouTube .... I am so honored, and a big fat Thank you to my wonderful , loyal fans..! I appreciate you sooo much!! –Kim
@RUXCKLENEITOR
Thanks for giving me something to connect with my mother. Thanks Kim
@torstenfischer7897
This song is a Evergreen and still and forever in my heart.
@uisisfreitas8137
NINGUÉM ama esta música mais que eu❤💝💖
@parapoliticos52
Bette Davis' eyes deserve it.
They tease you after they seduced you saying to you, '' I like to Kiss you, but i ve just washed my hair..bye!''
@strudelmadness8693
First time hearing this song my favourite now
@oa8491
whoever is hearing this song in nowadays, You have a good taste of music mate.
@NixDarkLord
we're both
@KennedyMusicTheories
Yessssss
@MrChristian331
it's great stuff! It actually tells a good story, not to mentions sounds great! 👍