What was the meaning behind the song Bette Davis Eyes?

Answer 1

It is likely that the lyrics of the song were intended to have a double meaning. The most obvious is about a seductive woman, and this was probably intended to disguise the deeper meaning, which was probably the use of methamphetamine. In at least some of Kim Carnes vocals of that song it sounds like she is saying "Bette Davis ice." A common nickname for crystal meth is "ice." The drug has been in use since before WWII, but presumably it began to be referred to by this nickname sometime in the 1970s. Betty Davis Eyes was recorded in 1981. Some of the song lyrics imply characteristics of methamphetamine or symptoms related to its use:

Her hair is Harlow gold -- some varieties of meth are yellow

Her hands are never cold -- hyperthermia, an elevated body temperature

You won't have to think twice -- alertness and increased concentration

She's pure as New York snow -- a comparison to cocaine

She'll unease you -- a strong psychoactive stimulant.

She's precocious -- premature aging, increased libido.

She knows just what it takes to make a pro blush -- flushing, red in the face

She got Greta Garbo's stand-off sighs -- hubris, extreme haughtiness or arrogance

It whets her appetite -- decreased appetite

Until you come up blue -- overdose can cause blue lips

She's ferocious -- aggressive behavior

All the boys think she's a spy -- can cause paranoia

Answer 2

She liked it! Bette Davis thanked Kim Carnes, who popularized the song, and Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon, who wrote it, saying that she appreciated them "making her a part of modern times."

When Carnes came out with her version of the son in 1981, it went to the top of the charts and stayed there for more than two months. It became the year's best-selling single and won Grammys for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.

Bette Davis told a reporter that the song finally convinced her grandchildren that she really was famous.

Answer 3

The original song 'Better Davis Eyes' was written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon. It was made popular by Kim Carnes and was number one on the Billboard charts for nine weeks.