The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
It was late last night
I was feeling something wasn't right
There was not another soul in sight
Only you, only you
So we walked along
Though I knew that there was something wrong
And a feeling hit me oh so strong, about you
Then you gazed up at me and the answer was plain to see
'Cause I saw the light in your eyes (eyes, in your eyes)
In your eyes (in your eyes)
Though we had our fling (we had our fling)
I just never would suspect a thing (suspect a thing)
'Til that little bell began to ring (began to ring)
In my head, in my head
But I tried to run (I tried to run)
Though I knew it wouldn't help me none (not help me no)
'Cause I couldn't ever love no one, or so I said
But my feelings for you
Were just something I never knew
'Til I saw the light in your eyes (in your eyes)
In your eyes (in your eyes)
But I love you best
It's not something that I say in jest
'Cause you're different, girl, from all the rest
In my eyes
And I ran out before, but I won't do it anymore
Can't you see the light in my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes
I was feeling something wasn't right
There was not another soul in sight
Only you, only you
So we walked along
Though I knew that there was something wrong
And a feeling hit me oh so strong, about you
Then you gazed up at me and the answer was plain to see
'Cause I saw the light in your eyes (eyes, in your eyes)
In your eyes (in your eyes)
Though we had our fling (we had our fling)
I just never would suspect a thing (suspect a thing)
'Til that little bell began to ring (began to ring)
In my head, in my head
But I tried to run (I tried to run)
Though I knew it wouldn't help me none (not help me no)
'Cause I couldn't ever love no one, or so I said
But my feelings for you
Were just something I never knew
'Til I saw the light in your eyes (in your eyes)
In your eyes (in your eyes)
But I love you best
It's not something that I say in jest
'Cause you're different, girl, from all the rest
In my eyes
And I ran out before, but I won't do it anymore
Can't you see the light in my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes (in your eyes)
In my eyes
Lyrics submitted by Bobo192, edited by ladeevah0924
I Saw the Light Lyrics as written by Todd Rundgren
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Actually, the line is "And a feeling hit me oh so strong".
This song pretty much speaks for itself. It's about a guy who falls in love with his friend, and first denies it, but soon realizes that she really is the one for him.
So i read in an iterview that TR apparently wrote this song in only a few minutes. He had a deadline so he just sat down and when he got up, he had the song. It is not about any expierience he had, nor is it anything personal to him. None the less it is one great song!
@KingRex He wrote it in 20 minutes, I've heard. I find it hard to believe that he had no emotional investment in the song. Not doubting your word - it's just that he performs it like a man who's been blindsided by love. It's a perfect pop song, perfectly performed, and my absolute favorite song.
@KingRex Nah I completely disagree. Todd fell in love in high school. And it affected him deeply influencing many of his early love songs. He is remembering the magic of falling in love in this song and of course it was easy to put down because it was so much the dominant concern in his life. As first loves go, he gradually lost her and you can see his music becoming noticeably darker and more philosophical starting with the AWATS album.
So catchy and pretty!!! One of my top favorites
Nothing says love like a twinkle in the eyes.
At the Todd concert I went to his eyes met mine during this song. LOL
isn't it the "feeling got me" instead of "hot me"???But yeah this song is awesome but so is "Hello it's me"and also try 10cc "I'm not in love"...you'll love it!!!
@crombiegirl00 It's actually "feeling hit me."
I think most of Todd's songs are less about the lyrics and more about the music. It's such a culmination of perfectly meshed sounds. Really, it has such a distinct feeling to it that i can't even explain.
Looking in somebodys eyes and it hitting you that you love them; priceless.
Recently read, that it was meant to be a hommage to Carole King. From a harmonic & general sound-ish pov it has a lot of "It's too late" by King. Not being native english speaker, I can not judge if the lyric is comparable to Carole King's lyrical style. Both great songs though.
@bartel I don't know about an homage, but "I Saw the Light" is clearly influenced by Carole King. Funnily enough, I'd MUCH rather listen to Todd Rundgren do Carole King than Carole King. :-)