Song Lyrics

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” Lyrics by Bonnie Tyler

Bonnie Tyler is a Welsh singer known for her powerful, husky voice. She gained fame with hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “It’s a Heartache.”

She earned three Grammy nominations and numerous awards throughout her career.

About the Song

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” is the song by Bonnie Tyler from her fifth studio album, “Faster Than the Speed of Night.”

The song is about to tell the emotional story of love and heartbreak.

Released	February 11, 1938
Album	Faster than the Speed of Night
Writers	Jim Steinman
Producers	Jim Steinman

Total Eclipse of the Heart Lyrics by Bonnie Tyler

Verse 1

(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit lonely
And you’re never coming ’round
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit tired
Of listening to the sound of my tears
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit nervous
That the best of all the years have gone by
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit terrified
And then I see the look in your eyes

Refrain

(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart

Verse 2

(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit restless
And I dream of something wild
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit helpless
And I’m lying like a child in your arms
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit angry
And I know I’ve got to get out and cry
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I get a little bit terrified
But then I see the look in your eyes

Refrain

(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart

Chorus

And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
We’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be making it right
‘Cause we’ll never be wrong
Together, we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (All of the time)
I don’t know what to do and I’m always in the dark
We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight

Post-Chorus

Once upon a time, I was falling in love
But now I’m only falling apart
There’s nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time, there was light in my life
But now there’s only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart

Interlude

(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes)

Verse 3

(Turn around)
Every now and then, I know you’ll never be the boy
You always wanted to be
(Turn around)
But every now and then, I know you’ll always be the only boy
Who wanted me the way that I am
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I know there’s no one in the universe
As magical and wondrous as you
(Turn around)
Every now and then, I know there’s nothing any better
There’s nothing that I just wouldn’t do

Refrain

(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart

Chorus

And I need you now tonight (And I need you)
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight (If you love me)
We’ll be holding on forever
And we’ll only be making it right (And we’ll never)
‘Cause we’ll never be wrong
Together, we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time (All of the time)
I don’t know what to do, I’m always in the dark
We’re living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight
Forever’s gonna start tonight
(Forever’s gonna start tonight)

Post-Chorus

Once upon a time, I was falling in love
But now I’m only falling apart
Nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time, there was light in my life
But now there’s only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart
A total eclipse of the heart
A total eclipse of the heart

Outro

(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around, bright eyes)
(Turn around)
(Ooh-ooh)
(Ah-ha, ah-ha)
(Ah-ha, ah-ha)
(Ooh-ooh)

Live Performances of Total Eclipse of the Heart Song

Bonnie Tyler (Live from Tim Rice, 1983)

Bonnie Tyler – (Live on All Time Greatest Love Songs, 2005)

Similar Songs Like Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

These Bonnie Tyler songs have the same themes, musical style, and emotional depth as Total Eclipse of the Heart.

“Faster Than the Speed of Night”: A dramatic song with powerful vocals and emotional depth, expressing the intense feelings of love and longing.
“It’s a Heartache”: A heartfelt song about heartbreak and disappointment, with Bonnie Tyler’s voice conveying the pain of one-sided love.
“Holding Out for a Hero”: An energetic anthem for strength and hope, with a rock vibe that reflects the search for a hero.
“Secret Dreams and Forbidden Fire”: A passionate song about desire and love, combining intense emotions with Bonnie Tyler’s signature powerful delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Meaning Behind the Lyrics of “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler?

The song explores heartbreak and emotional conflict, symbolizing love’s powerful impact and the pain of a broken relationship.

How Did Bonnie Tyler’s Collaboration with Jim Steinman Influence Her Music Style?

Steinman’s dramatic songwriting style brought out Bonnie Tyler’s powerful, emotive voice, adding depth and intensity to her music.

Why is “Total Eclipse of the Heart” Considered a Timeless ballad?

The song’s strong emotional lyrics, Bonnie Tyler’s raw performance, and its relatable themes of love and heartbreak make it timeless.

What are Some Lesser-known Facts About the Making of “Total Eclipse of the Heart”?

The song was originally written as a love story for a musical but was adapted into a solo track.

How Did “Total Eclipse of the Heart” Perform on Music Charts Worldwide?

It topped the charts in multiple countries, including the U.S. and U.K., becoming Bonnie Tyler’s most successful hit.

Jordan Ellis

Jordan Ellis grew up in a house filled with the rustle of paper and the tinkling of piano keys. Jordan's grandmother, a piano teacher for over 50 years, had an extensive collection of sheet music that covered every surface of her home. As a child, Jordan spent countless hours organizing these yellowed pages, absorbing the history and artistry behind each composition. This early exposure to sheet music blossomed into a lifelong passion. Now, with a degree in Music History and 9 years of experience working in music publishing, Jordan writes about all aspects of sheet music.

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