About the song
In the realm of classic American music, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” by The Platters stands out as a timeless gem, capturing the essence of love, longing, and bittersweet memories. Originally penned by Jerome Kern and Otto Harbach for the 1933 musical Roberta, the song has been beautifully reinterpreted by various artists over the decades. However, it is The Platters’ rendition from 1958 that remains an iconic and cherished version.
The Platters, a vocal group renowned for their rich harmonies and smooth delivery, brought a distinctive elegance and emotional depth to this classic ballad. With lead singer Tony Williams’ velvety voice leading the way, the song’s poignant lyrics and lush orchestration evoke a sense of nostalgic yearning. The title itself—”Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”—serves as a metaphor for the tears and heartache that often accompany love’s end. The song’s refrain poignantly expresses the theme of disillusionment, with the imagery of smoke blurring vision and reflecting the elusive nature of romantic promises.
The Platters’ version of “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” features a beautifully orchestrated arrangement, characterized by a soothing melody and a hauntingly memorable chorus. The blend of smooth vocals and elegant instrumental accompaniment creates a soundscape that transports listeners back to a more romantic era, making it a perfect example of the doo-wop and rhythm and blues influences that defined the late 1950s.
This song not only highlights the exceptional talent of The Platters but also serves as a lasting reminder of the power of music to express the deepest of human emotions. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the poignant beauty of love and loss.
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Lyrics
They asked me how I knew my true love was true
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, I, of course replied
“Something here inside cannot be denied”
(Do-do-do, do-do-do, do-do-do, whoa)
They said, “Someday, you’ll find all who love are blind
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, when your heart’s on fire
You must realize smoke gets in your eyes”
So, I chaffed them, and I gaily laughed
To think they could doubt my love
Yet, today, my love has flown away
I am without my love (without my love)
Now, laughing friends deride tears I cannot hide
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, so I smile and say
“When a lovely flame dies
Smoke gets in your eyes” (smoke gets in your eyes)
Smoke gets in your eyes