The Platters - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes Lyrics
Released: 01 Jan 1999
Lyrics
They asked me how I knew
My true love was true
Oh, I of course replied
Something here inside
Cannot be denied
They said someday you'll find
All who love are blind
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
Now laughing friends deride
Tears I cannot hide
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)
Smoke gets in your eyes
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The Platters - Smoke Get In Your Eyes - Lyrics
Meaning & Inspiration
The Platters’ rendition of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," while not explicitly Christian, offers a profound secular reflection on the bittersweet nature of love and loss that resonates deeply with scriptural wisdom. This enduring ballad, released by The Platters in 1958, captures a moment of poignant remembrance, where the vivid memories of a past romance become so overwhelming they obscure present reality, much like smoke blurring one’s vision. The narrative speaks to the enduring power of affection, even when that love has faded or is no longer present, echoing the biblical principle that love itself endures, though circumstances may change.
The core of the song's message can be understood through the lens of wisdom literature, particularly the Book of Ecclesiastes, which frequently contemplates the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits and the lingering impact of past experiences. Just as Solomon observed the vanity of much that men chase, the singer finds their present joy clouded by the memory of a love that once was, a love so significant it continues to exert an influence. This isn't a lament of bitterness, but rather a testament to the deep imprints significant relationships leave upon our souls. It speaks to how deeply woven into our being are those we have loved, and how even in the face of new dawns, the shadows of cherished moments can persist. The song’s gentle acknowledgment of this persistent influence can be likened to the biblical exhortation to remember the former days, not in a way that fosters regret, but to appreciate the journey and the people who shaped it.
Furthermore, the idea of being blinded by something as intangible as smoke can be interpreted metaphorically, much like how the Apostle Paul speaks of spiritual blindness in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, where the gospel remains veiled to those who are perishing. While the song’s context is romantic, it highlights how intense emotions, whether joy or sorrow, can dominate our perception, preventing us from fully engaging with our current reality. The singer’s vision is clouded not by malice or sin, but by an overwhelming recollection of love, suggesting that even positive experiences, when held too tightly in memory, can obscure the path forward. This invites a contemplation on maintaining a balanced perspective, acknowledging the past with gratitude but not allowing it to hinder our present capacity for growth and new affections, a balance that Jesus Himself encouraged when speaking of not looking back once the hand is on the plow (Luke 9:62). The enduring power of "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" lies in its honest portrayal of how deeply we are affected by love, and how the echoes of significant relationships, much like cherished memories, can continue to color our world, reminding us of the profound impact of human connection.