I Only Have Eyes for You

"I Only Have Eyes For You" is a popular song by composer Harry Warren and lyricist Al Dubin, written in 1934 for the film Dames where it was introduced by Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler.

According to Billboard magazine, the song was a #2 hit for Ben Selvin in 1934. The orchestras of Peter Duchin and Anson Weeks also figured in the song's 1934 popularity. This song was recorded in 1950 by Peggy Lee, and most notably by The Flamingos in 1959, becoming one of their most popular hits. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the Flamingos' version #157 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. This version peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart; later, this version was included on the soundtrack for the 1973 film American Graffiti.

In 1962, Frank Sinatra recorded his version of this song accompanied by Count Basie's orchestra. The song was recorded again in 1966 when it was released as a single by The Lettermen from their album, A New Song for Young Love.

A remake of the song by Art Garfunkel was a number one song on the UK Singles Chart in October 1975 for two weeks. The song was his first hit as a solo artist in the UK, and also reached #18 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the adult contemporary chart. Garfunkel performed the song on the second episode of Saturday Night Live.

Trumpeter Lester Bowie recorded the tune with his "Brass Fantasy" band as the title track on their debut album I Only Have Eyes for You (1986).

An a cappella version by the Complexion was mixed with the Flamingos version for the 1993 film A Bronx Tale.

Mercury Rev released a cover version in 1998 as an extra track on the "Goddess on a Hiway" CD single. Martina Topley-Bird and Jamie Cullum have also recorded cover versions.

An episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is named after this song, and features the version by The Flamingos.

Mark Eitzel of American Music Club released a version in 2002 on his solo CD of covers, Music for Courage and Confidence.

This is also used as a recurring theme in a Warner Brothers Merrie Melodies cartoon of the same title, released on March 6, 1937 and directed by Tex Avery.

The lines "Are the stars out tonight / I only have eyes for you" are sung by a male penguin in the animated film "Happy Feet" (2006).