Rosalinda's Eyes

Album: 52nd Street (1978)
Play Video
  • I play nights in the Spanish part of town
    I've got music in my hands
    The work is hard to find
    But that don't get me down
    Rosalinda understands

    Crazy Latin dancing solo down in Herald Square
    Oh, Havana, I've been searching for you everywhere
    Though I'll never be there
    I know what I would see there
    I can always find my Cuban skies
    In Rosalinda's eyes

    When she smiles she gives everything to me
    When she's all alone she cries
    I'd do anything to take away her tears
    Because they're Rosalinda's eyes

    Señorita don't be lonely, I will soon be there
    Oh, Havana, I've been searching for you everywhere
    And I got a chance to make it
    It's time for me to take it
    I'll return before the fire dies
    In Rosalinda's eyes

    All alone in a Puerto Rican band
    Union wages, wedding clothes
    Hardly anyone has seen how good I am
    But Rosalinda says she knows

    Crazy Latin dancing solo down in Herald Square
    Oh, Havana, I've been searching for you everywhere
    And though I'll never be there
    I know what I would see there
    I can always find my Cuban skies
    In Rosalinda's eyes

    Okay

    Señorita don't be lonely, I will soon be there
    Oh, Havana, I've been searching for you everywhere
    I've got a chance to make it
    It's time for me to take it
    And I'll return before the fire dies
    In Rosalinda's eyes Writer/s: Billy Joel
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 11

  • Bill from IllinoisRosalinda is his mother. Cuba is because his family immigrated to the US through Cuba because immigration from Germany was cut off at that time.
  • Don from VirginiaThe girl in the video is so beautiful. Anyone know anything about her?
  • Rod from Tupelo, MsI heard an interview with Billy and he said this is a love song his dad should have written to his mom. Her name is Linda but it didn’t fit the song or something. This is actually one of my favorite songs of his and probably my favorite on this album.
  • Garry from ReynoldsSkeptical about the Houston theory given he recorded a song called "Rosalinda" at WMMR Philadelphia in April 1972, long before "Rosalinda's Eyes". More plausible is that he noticed her name was Rosalinda, thought it was neat coincidence, and sent her the album.
  • Mark Van Buren from TucsonThis song may have references to his mother but he did not write it about her. In 1977 I was working at the Shamrock Hilton in Houston Texas and I worked with a front desk associate named Rosalinda who had the most beautiful eyes. Billy Joel checked into the hotel and met Rosalinda and it was obvious that he was so impressed with not only her eyes but the entire young lady. Long story short, he wrote the song and sent her a signed copy of the album and she showed it to me. That's a fact and it is truly a beautiful song. I doubt anyone else knew about this but Rosalinda and I. You can believe the story about his Mom but I know the real story.
  • Pt from Bellmore, NyJL - Billy Joel refers to Cuba in this song because Billy's father and mother spent some time in Cuba (after escaping the Nazis in Europe) before emigrating to America. They apparently maintained a fondness for Cuba. This is quite possibly his most underrated song.
  • Randy from Reading, PaI never appreciated this song til one day I was stuck in traffic coming out of New York City. It came on the radio station and in that setting the song just clicked for me.
  • Ed from San Antonio, TxThis song reminds me of my college days when Billy Joel was very popular. Driving with my friends listening to "Rosalinda's Eyes".
  • Jl from Palm Beach, FlYes, Rosalinda refers to his mother, but why does he refer to Cuba?
    His mother, Rosalind Nyman, was born in England, to a Jewish family (Philip and Rebecca Nyman).
    So where's the Cuban connection?
    Thanks for the help!
  • Ros from Perth, AustraliaCan anyone send me a score of the song? I would really appreciate it!
  • Me from There, PaRosalinda refers to his mother... Billy stated that this song should have been written by his father for his mother...
see more comments

Editor's Picks

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.