Peter Paul Cetera (born September 13, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA) is an… Read Full Bio ↴Peter Paul Cetera (born September 13, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, USA) is an American singer, songwriter, bass guitar player and producer best known for being an original member of the rock band Chicago, before launching a successful solo career.

In 1981, Cetera released his first solo album on Warner Bros. Records. The album was a commercial failure, which Cetera has attributed to Warner Bros.' refusal to promote him as a solo artist out of fear that he would leave Chicago, who had only recently signed with the label.

In 1985, Cetera was interested in recording another solo album. He had stated his lack of interest for the extensive touring schedule of the band. When the 17 Tour concluded in late-April 1985, Chicago's management, along with several members of the band, had expressed a desire to book another tour for that summer and start work on the next Chicago album.

Cetera insisted that they take a break from touring so that he could concentrate on a solo album and spend more time with his family. After the band rejected his offer to stay in the band while recording a solo album, it was announced that Cetera and Chicago would go their separate ways in July 1985.

Almost immediately, Cetera continued his streak of success. His first single, "Glory of Love" (the theme to the movie The Karate Kid, Part II), was a US No. 1 hit in 1986, and achieved similar success throughout the world.

He has many hits, such as:
1982 - "Livin' In The Limelight" #6 (Mainstream Rock) US
1986 - "Glory of Love" #1 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #3 UK (also appears on the soundtrack to The Karate Kid, Part II)
1986 - "The Next Time I Fall" (with Amy Grant) #1 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #78 UK
1987 - "Only Love Knows Why" #24 (Adult Contemporary) US
1987 - "I Wasn't the One (Who Said Goodbye)" (with Agnetha Fältskog) #93 US, #19 (Adult Contemporary) US
1988 - "One Good Woman" #4 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #82 UK
1992 - "Restless Heart" #35 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US
1993 - "Even A Fool Can See" #68 US, #3 (Adult Contemporary) US
1995 - "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight" (with Crystal Bernard) #86 US, #22 (Adult Contemporary) US
1997 - "Do You Love Me That Much" #6 (Adult Contemporary) US

Evil Eye
Peter Cetera Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You've got an evil eye
And I want to say mama
I can't face it for another day
You don't even try
And I want to say baby
I can't take it when you're

Makin' me hurry, makin' me wait

Takin' me early, leavin' me late
Shakin' my feelin', makin' me cry
Don't it sound funny
But I'm saying bye-bye

You've got an evil eye
And I want to say mama
You can't see it any other way
All you do is lie
And I want to say baby
You know I can't stand it when you're

Makin' me hurry, makin' me wait
Takin' me early, leavin' me late
Shakin' my feelin', makin' me cry
Don't it sound funny
But I'm saying bye-bye

I don't need what you're givin' me honey
You know I don't want
What you've got on your mind
I don't care if you're missin' my money
You know I don't care if you're stealin' me blind
I'll leave you behind

Oh well, leavin' you baby
So long bye-bye
Oh well, when you're drivin' me crazy
So long bye-bye
Oh well, don't believe it's funny
So long bye-bye

Oh well, now I'm movin' on honey
So long bye-bye

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Peter Cetera's song Evil Eye are about a toxic relationship in which the singer is tired of their partner's lies, manipulations, and mind games. The expression "evil eye" refers to the idea in many cultures that certain individuals have the power to cause harm or bad luck to others just by looking at them. In the context of the song, the evil eye represents the partner's negative influence on the singer's life. The singer feels trapped and unable to face another day with the constant emotional turmoil caused by their partner's behavior. They express their frustration at being constantly rushed or kept waiting, being made to feel insecure, and having their feelings hurt. The singer finally decides to leave the toxic relationship behind, telling their partner that they don't need or want what they're giving and that they're not willing to tolerate the negative impact on their life anymore.

Overall, Evil Eye is a song about standing up for oneself and recognizing the destructive influence of a toxic partner. While the singer is aware of the pain of leaving the relationship, they ultimately choose to prioritize their own well-being and break free.

Line by Line Meaning

You've got an evil eye
I sense malice in your look

And I want to say mama
Mother, I need your help

I can't face it for another day
I can no longer tolerate your behavior

You don't even try
You do not make any effort

And I want to say baby
Sweetheart, hear me out

I can't take it when you're
I cannot handle it when you are

Makin' me hurry, makin' me wait
Causing me to rush and also to wait

Takin' me early, leavin' me late
Being early but leaving me late

Shakin' my feelin', makin' me cry
Destroying my emotions and making me weep

Don't it sound funny
It may sound ironic

But I'm saying bye-bye
But I'm leaving you