The Meaning Behind The Song: In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel
One of the most iconic songs of the 80s, Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” is a favorite of many music lovers. The song has been featured in several movies, including “Say Anything” and “Reality Bites,” and has been covered by many artists. But what is the meaning behind the song? In this article, we will delve into the lyrics and explore what Peter Gabriel was trying to convey.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
Peter Gabriel is known for his introspective and deeply personal lyrics. “In Your Eyes” is no exception. The inspiration behind the song came from a personal experience of Gabriel’s. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Gabriel revealed that the song was about his wife, Jill. He said, “It’s a love song, obviously, but it’s about being saved from desperation by someone who gives you hope.”
The song was written while Gabriel was living in Bath, England, in the early 80s. Gabriel was going through a rough patch in his life and was struggling with depression. His wife, Jill, had just given birth to their first child, and Gabriel found solace in her love and support.
The Lyrics of “In Your Eyes”
“In Your Eyes” is a song about love and the power it holds. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and they convey the message of hope and redemption. Here’s a breakdown of the lyrics:
Verse 1:
Love, I get so lost sometimes
Days pass and this emptiness fills my heart
When I want to run away, I drive off in my car
But whichever way I go, I come back to the place you are
The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song. Gabriel speaks of the emptiness he feels and how love brings him back to a place of comfort and safety.
Chorus:
All my instincts, they return
And the grand facade, so soon will burn
Without a noise, without my pride
I reach out from the inside
The chorus speaks of the power of love and how it can break down walls and bring us back to our true selves.
Verse 2:
In your eyes, the light, the heat
I am complete, I see the doorway
The thousand churches, the resolution
We’ll be born again, oh, yeah, the resurrection
The second verse speaks of the transformative power of love. Gabriel sees his lover as the gateway to a new life, a new beginning. He compares their love to a spiritual experience, where they will be “born again.”
The Music of “In Your Eyes”
The music of “In Your Eyes” is just as powerful as the lyrics. The song features Gabriel’s signature blend of rock and world music. The instrumental break in the middle of the song is a standout moment, featuring African-inspired drumming and a soaring saxophone solo.
The song has been praised for its unique sound and its ability to fuse different styles of music. Rolling Stone called it “a perfect balance between Gabriel’s art-rock experimentalism and his pop instincts.”
The Legacy of “In Your Eyes”
“In Your Eyes” is a song that has stood the test of time. It has been covered by several artists, including Jeffrey Gaines, Sara Bareilles, and even Dolly Parton. The song has been featured in several movies, including “Say Anything” and “Reality Bites.” It has become a cultural touchstone, a song that is instantly recognizable and beloved by many.
But what makes “In Your Eyes” so special? It’s the message of hope and redemption that Gabriel was able to convey through his lyrics and music. The song speaks to the universal human experience of love and the power it holds to transform us.
In Conclusion
“In Your Eyes” is a masterpiece of 80s music, but it’s not just a catchy tune. It’s a song that speaks to the human experience and the transformative power of love. Gabriel’s introspective lyrics and unique blend of world and rock music make this song a standout in his catalog and a cultural touchstone for many. In the words of Gabriel himself, “In Your Eyes” is a love song that speaks to the hope that we all carry within us.
