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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

According to Gabriel, the lyrics could refer to either the love between a man and woman or the relationship between a person and God.

African musician Youssou N'Dour sang backup. In 1991 Gabriel performed this in N'Dour's native country of Senegal before a crowd of 70,000.

This was featured in the movie Say Anything in a scene where John Cusack plays this from a Boom Box he holds over his head to win the heart of Ione Skye. Cameron Crowe, who directed the film, was going to use Billy Idol's "Got To Be A Lover," but it didn't work with the scene. Crowe got the idea to use this when he played a tape from his wedding which had the song on it. Because it was a deeply personal song, Gabriel did not want to let him use it, but when Crowe called and sent him a tape of the movie, Gabriel loved it and let him use it.

The producers of Say Anything were charged about $200,000 to use this, but it became one of the most famous scenes in movie history. It also made the song much more popular.

A special 7:14 mix of this song was released to radio stations by Geffen Records. It features extended singing by Youssou N'Dour. This promotional copy also included a 6:15 version of the song, and an 8:36 of Gabriel's "Biko." (thanks, Rob - Hutchinson, KS)

This is one of the few slow songs that gets consistent airplay on rock radio. It was not real popular when it came out, but continues to get constant airplay on a variety of formats, as listeners never seem to tire of it.

The band SR-71 also does a cover of this song. They performed it live at the 2004 Gravity Games. (thanks, Brad - Hickory, NC)

See a photo and learn more about this song and Say Anything in Song Images.

In 1994, Gabriel did a version of "In Your Eyes" live, which appears on disc 2 of the double CD set of Secret World Live, and lasts 11:34. On this version, he improvises a lot in the song with the backup singers. (thanks, Glenda - Austin, TX)

Comments:

My god what can i say everytime i listened to the beautiful so my goose bumps,start and if your really thinking of someone so dear to you,you cant help but drop a tear or too,would have to say that would be my wedding song,theres only one of a kind an thats it..well done pete for a song we all listen,if we are listening to it alone,its not strange to say that really it involves 2 people or more..
- Dom, perth, Australia

It tells of the love that one feels; you can only hope to have something that strong in your lifetime. How many times have you been in your car listening to this song, been immediately transported to the glow that true love carries? Amazingly great song, holds up for all time. Sad and happy, all rolled into one. Makes you heart cry.
- steph, claverack, NY

The best love song of the '80s.
- Theresa, Murfreesboro, TN

One of my favorite songs, hands down, by ANY artist. I, like a few others here, have always believed that this song was about the line between physical and spiritual ectasy. (As is "is there a line?" and "how do you know which is which?") But something that I've never been able to find an answer to: the video for this song features clips from a old movie. Clips from the same movie (I think) are also used in the video for David Bowie's "Hallo Spaceboy." Anyone have any ideas?
- Erika, Vernon, CT

I feel this song reaches out further than just being a love song between a man and woman, Or a spirritual song between God and man. My Daughter recently moved to the west coast and I thought I would be able to handle it better than I am. I have always loved Peter Gabriels work but never gave this song much thought till I was watching a T.V. show about a father and daughter who were sepporated by his death and this song started playing at the end of the show and the tears shot out of me. Peter Gabriel has a way of hitting home. My Daughter is very full of life and she has been my biggest inspiration in my life. Solsbury Hill comes to mind with me because I am from the west coast end as soon as I can afford to go, I'm going home.
- Thom, Carson City, NV

I can see how this can be a love song, but I see it as a song of love for God, or the creator or whatever one wants to call it. I think that with God there is no hiding anything. God knows all and sees all, and the song seems to be saying that while I am just human and have flaws and share this world with all other human activity of various sorts, I want to be seen by you (God) for the good and perfect person that I want to be. It's like Gabriel is saying "I want to have your approval." - As a child wants to be seen by a parent. It is a quite touching song to me. I don't participate in any church, but I think that this song is a prayer like no other in the Bible that I've come across. It speaks in my language.
- martha, KDH, NC

This song is the perfect mix between beautiful love lyrics and captivating musicianship.
- Age, C-Ville, PA

jeffrey gaines cover is great. a perfect song
- Kevin, Springfield, PA

I have this one on my ipod and jog to it. It has a great running beat, especially the Gaines version.
- Tom, Hershey, PA

Agree wholeheartedly with Paige...one of the best lovesongs ever written.
- Peter, Huddersfield, England

love Say Anything, love John Cusack, love this song.... Maggs, Ohio
- maggs, West Alexandria, OH

I read somewhere that, when asked if they could use the song in Say Anything, he said that he would have to see the film first. They sent it to him and he said, "Ok, but I'm not too happy with the fact that the main character dies of a drug overdose." Turns out that they had accidentally sent him a copy of Wired, a film about John Belushi. Anybody know if this is true?
- Mark, Austin, TX

In my area (Baltimore, USA) local radio stations play a version of "In Your Eyes", which removes the words "I see the doorway to a thousand churches". Is this censorship of the original lyrics to remove a religious reference, or did Peter Gabriel endorse this version? I also heard this version on XM Radio.
- TJ, Baltimore, MD

Allegedly, this song was written about Rosanna Arquette, who was Peter Gabriel's girlfriend at the time.
- Mike, santa barbara, CA

To Mr. Lanois, It really does'nt matter that much. People like misguided facts, and will never stray. No need to for the dramatics in this forum, might I suggest a song to straiten this matter on one of your releases? Feel free to contact me at bart260@hotmail.com Michael
- Michael, Rockford, IL

I Love this song too, because it reminds me of a man whose having trouble in his life but the great about this is he actually live continuously, because of his undying love to the one he Loves. , . ;) - Iana, Manila, Philippines,,,
- Iana, Manila, Other

my fav by peter g.
- Chuck, Houston, TX

Cameron Crowe originally wanted to have John Cusak's character serenade Ione Skye's character, but Cusak didn't sing well, so he had him hold a boom box over his head playing this beautiful song. Movie history was made.
- Jeffrey, Dowagiac, MI

I love this song. This song is very inspiring.
- Farrah, Elon, NC

I have a copy of this song being done by Staind. It's awesome!!!
- Shay, Bridgeton, MO

Contemporary Christian artist Nichole Nordeman has covered this song on her 2002 CD "Woven and Spun."
- Bradley, Bemidji, MN

I am so sick of this. I will finally speak out regarding Roseanna Arquette being the inspiration for "In Your Eyes". It was another young woman, also an actress, who was the inspiration for the song. I don't know if it's Arquette's camp who is generating this rumor, or the public. Her identity is not revealed because at the time Gabriel was still officially married. Arquette and Gabriel didn't even meet until after the album came out. I should know. I co-produced the album. And furthermore "Roseanna" is not about Arquette either. The band, Toto, has many times, told the press, that she did NOT serve as the inspiration to the song, only the name. I hope this puts the issue to rest.
- Daniel, Montreal

pat from montreal. Where did you hear tjat story. It's pretty funny! btw, song's a great love song, and will be one of those ones that's always played.
- Stefanie magura, Rock Hill, SC

There is also an awesome live version of this song on Gabriel's live album 'Secret World Live'. It features Paula Cole on backing vocals, and instead of Yossou N'Dour, it features Congolese singer Papa Wemba (who was signed to PG's RealWorld music label).
- Conor Bendle, Canberra, Australia

Funny story about convincing Gabriel to let this song into Say Anything: Once the director knew this was the song he wanted, he tried to get Gabriel to let him use it, to no success. Eventually, Gabriel asked to see a copy of the movie, and was sent one. He replied to it by allowing the song to be used, while also commenting that he was wary about the part where the lead overdoses at the end. The director had accidentally sent Wired, not Say Anything. The rest, as they say, is cinematic history.
- Pat, Montreal, Canada

What a supremely crafted and beautifully balanced song, absolute quality. Its one of those rare songs that get better with age. Turn it up and sing it loud. You can really get lost in this one.
- Tom, Adelaide, Australia

The live version (with Youssou N'Dour ) which I saw on VH-1 Classic, is one of the best videos I've ever seen. Peter Gabriel is a musical genius!
- Anthony, Clearwater, FL

Greatest love song of the century
- Ron, Vancouver, Croatia

After Biko, this became the climax of his live performances.
- Eric, Lake Forest, CA

It was a question on Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
- breeze, washington, DC

Peter Gabriel wrote this song about Rosanna Arquette (they used to live together). Toto's hit "Rosanna" is also about Arquette.
- linda, college station, TX

Aaron Lewis, from Staind, covered this song with his old band before he joined Staind. He did an awsome job covering this song!
- T.j, Buford, GA

For anyone who hasn't checked out the Jeffrey Gaines live version (on his album Always Be) it's amazing and will bring a whole new apprecaition to a beautiful song.
- Audrey, Boston, MA

His name was Jefferey Gaines and I think it was last summer.
- Miraj, Eden Prairie, MN

Hey, can anyone remember the name of the guy who covered this a few years ago? I believe it was a live track...
- Krie, Ft. Drum, NY

Peter Gabriel wrote this song about Roxanne Arquette.
- beckylove, Richland, WA

This is the most beautiful love song ever written and recorded. ;-)
- Paige, Broomfield, CO

I love this song. This reminds me of a man who is haveing some troubles in life who only finds comfort when he's with the one he loves...'I look to the time with you, to keep me awake and alive' wonderful love song.
- Nicky, middlesbrough, England