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)
Goodnight Moon
Kim Carnes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Apple of my eye
Left way too soon
Got the window open
And I can see the sky
Goodnight room
Goodnight moon
Goodnight moon
Goodnight moon
Keep shinin' on me
And everyone you see
Night bloomin' jasmine
Is so sweet to me
I'm as sleepy as I ever have been
But I just can't sleep
Everything's so quiet
Guess I'll just close my eyes
For awhile, for awhile
Goodnight moon
You're a goodnight moon
Goodnight moon
Keep shinin' on me
And everyone you see
Hey, goodnight to you out there
Goodnight, children everywhere
You're a goodnight moon
See ya real soon
Goodnight room
Goodnight moon
In Kim Carnes's song "Goodnight Moon," the lyrics paint a picture of the singer in a green room, looking out of the window at the navy blue sky. The phrase "apple of my eye" is used to convey a deep affection or love for someone who unfortunately left too soon. Despite the sadness, the singer finds solace in the beauty of the moon shining outside the window. The repetition of "Goodnight room, goodnight moon" suggests a sense of peace and surrender, as if bidding farewell to the day and embracing the night.
The imagery continues with the mention of a night blooming jasmine, a flower known for its intoxicating fragrance. This flower serves as a representation of something soothing and calming to the singer. However, despite the weariness expressed in feeling as sleepy as ever, sleep eludes the singer. Perhaps there is a restlessness within or a longing that keeps the mind awake in the silence of the night.
The song concludes with a farewell to the moon, acknowledging its role as a guiding light, not only for the singer but for everyone it sees. The line "See ya real soon" suggests that the singer hopes to reunite with the moon, indicating that the longing or restlessness mentioned earlier may be temporary. Overall, "Goodnight Moon" captures a bittersweet mood, emphasizing the beauty and comfort found in the night sky while acknowledging the complexities of emotions and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Navy blue sky outside my green room
The tranquil sky outside my secure space feels like a comforting presence.
Apple of my eye
You are the cherished center of my attention and affection.
Left way too soon
You departed unexpectedly, causing a sense of loss and longing.
Got the window open
I have opened the window to invite in the outside world and its possibilities.
And I can see the sky
I am aware of the vastness and beauty of the sky, representing endless potential.
Goodnight room
It is time to say farewell to the familiar space surrounding me.
Goodnight moon
As I bid goodbye to the room, I also acknowledge the moon's presence, symbolizing comfort and reassurance.
Goodnight moon
In repeating the farewell to the moon, its role as a source of solace is emphasized.
You're a good night moon
Recognizing the moon's ability to provide a peaceful night and a sense of security.
Goodnight moon
Let your serene light continue to shine upon me, granting tranquility.
Keep shinin' on me
I ask the moon to maintain its illuminating presence in my life, guiding me through darkness.
And everyone you see
May the moon's radiance also bring comfort and serenity to everyone it touches.
Night bloomin' jasmine
The fragrance of the night-blooming jasmine adds to the soothing atmosphere.
Is so sweet to me
The pleasant scent fills my senses with a delightful and calming sensation.
I'm as sleepy as I ever have been
I am incredibly tired, feeling the heaviness of fatigue.
But I just can't sleep
Despite my exhaustion, I find it difficult to fall into slumber, possibly due to worries or an active mind.
Everything's so quiet
The surroundings are hushed and tranquil, aiding the ambiance of restfulness.
Guess I'll just close my eyes
Perhaps closing my eyes will provide some respite, even if sleep eludes me.
For awhile, for awhile
In this temporary closure of my eyes, I seek a brief pause and escape from the wakeful state.
Goodnight moon
Once again, I acknowledge the moon's presence, bidding it goodnight.
You're a goodnight moon
Reaffirming the moon's role as a cherished source of comfort for a peaceful night.
Goodnight moon
Continuing to acknowledge the moon's significance in providing serene nights.
Keep shinin' on me
I ask the moon to persist in casting its gentle light upon me, granting solace and serenity.
And everyone you see
May the moon's luminosity also extend its soothing glow to every individual it encounters.
Hey, goodnight to you out there
Sending a farewell and goodnight to all those present in the world beyond my immediate surroundings.
Goodnight, children everywhere
Extending the goodnight wishes, specifically to the innocent and hopeful children scattered across the world.
You're a goodnight moon
Acknowledging that the moon serves as a benevolent protector and source of peace for all.
See ya real soon
Anticipating a future encounter, expressing a hopeful anticipation of reconnecting in the near future.
Goodnight room
Once more, bidding farewell to the room I am within, signifying the end of the day.
Goodnight moon
Concluding with a final farewell to the moon, a symbol of comfort and tranquility.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID ELLINGSON, KIM CARNES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
France Rivard
on Bette Davis Eyes
tres tres bon..souvenirs des années 80 et plusieurs autres..on en a pour tous les gouts..Yesss