Bette Davis Eyes
Leighton Meester Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Her hair is Harlow gold
Her lips sweet surprise
Her hands are never cold
She's got Bette Davis eyes
She'll turn the 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 the 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
Off your feet 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

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
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




She knows you
She's got Bette Davis eyes

Overall Meaning

Leighton Meester's song "Bette Davis Eyes" is a tribute to the iconic American actress Bette Davis. The lyrics describe a woman who possesses the same allure and enigmatic nature as Davis ("She's got Bette Davis eyes"). The song uses comparisons to other famous actresses of the time, such as Greta Garbo, to highlight the woman's allure and mystery.


The lyrics describe a woman who is confident and knows how to manipulate those around her ("She'll tease you, she'll unease you, all the better just to please you"). She knows how to make a man blush and is described as "precocious." The woman is also playful and sexually adventurous, as evidenced by the lines "She'll take a tumble on you, roll you like you were dice." The song suggests that the woman is in control of the situation, as evidenced by the line "She'll expose you when she snows you."


The song was originally written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon in 1974, and was later made famous by Kim Carnes in 1981. Leighton Meester's version was released in 2009 and has a more electronic, dance-pop sound compared to the original. Meester's version received mixed reviews, with some critics praising her interpretation of the song and others criticizing her for not bringing anything new to the table.


Line by Line Meaning

Her hair is Harlow gold
Her hair is a beautiful shade of gold, similar to the famous actress Jean Harlow's signature shade.


Her lips sweet surprise
Her lips are pleasantly surprising, and offer a pleasant surprise for those who glimpse them.


Her hands are never cold
Her hands are always warm, as if she is always holding a cup of tea or has gloves on-hand to keep her warm.


She's got Bette Davis eyes
She has the same intense and captivating gaze as the legendary actress Bette Davis.


She'll turn the music on you
She will introduce you to new music and may even become the soundtrack of your life.


You won't have to think twice
You don't need to hesitate when it comes to following her lead, as she always knows the way.


She's pure as New York snow
She is clean and pristine like freshly fallen snow in the bustling city of New York.


She'll tease you
She will playfully provoke you to keep you on your toes and keep things interesting.


She'll unease you
She will create a sense of discomfort in you, but not necessarily in a bad way.


All the better just to please you
She enjoys pushing boundaries and taking risks just to make you happy.


She's precocious, and she knows just
She is intelligent and perceptive, and is aware of the effect she has on others.


What it takes to make a pro blush
She knows exactly how to make even the most experienced person feel shy and flustered.


She got Greta Garbo's standoff sighs
She possesses the same aloof and enigmatic gaze as the Hollywood icon Greta Garbo.


She'll let you take her home
She will allow you to bring her home to get to know her better.


It whets her appetite
The experience of being taken home with someone excites her, and makes her eager to continue exploring.


She'll lay you on the throne
She will make you feel like royalty and treat you like a king.


She'll take a tumble on you
She will be playful with you and may even take a fall or two for fun.


Roll you like you were dice
She will take risks with you, and see where the journey takes you.


Until you come out blue
She will leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused, but ultimately exhilarated.


She'll expose you, when she snows you
She will reveal your true self and expose you to new experiences, especially when you least expect it.


Off your feet with the crumbs she throws you
She will keep you on your toes and guessing what is coming next with small gestures or hints.


She's ferocious, and she knows just
She is intense and powerful, and understands how to use that force to her advantage.


All the boys think she's a spy
People are always trying to figure her out and guess what she is thinking or feeling.


Just to please you
She will always go the extra mile to make sure you are happy and satisfied.


She knows you
She gets you, and understands the things that you need and want before you even do.


She's got Bette Davis eyes
She possesses the same magnetic charm and captivating qualities as the legendary actress Bette Davis.




Contributed by Mila O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@iamjulia_od

This is easily the best version that exists.

I’ve been listening to her cover since 2009, and here I am in 2022

@mmaddaepersson

2023 and it's still one of the best versions out there

@tblightningbolt8902

I need to see a live version of this. This song saved my brother joeys life

@aline7.7

Best version by Leighton Meester!

@Jamiiie715

I Will always love this version. Wish it was more hd haha

@antoniov4077

Oh this is my jam right here

@charlesward3661

Great cover. She didn't over do it. Just right!

@MattvanderWoodsen

miss her

@dustinkeo6667

Love this! thx for putting it on y.t. !!! 😊

@greenarrow7791

Thanks for sharing

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