Released in 1983, “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is one of the most famous power ballads in music history. Performed by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, the song remains an iconic landmark of 1980s pop and rock.
Recommended: No One Lasts Forever Lyrics by Charli xcx
The song was written and produced by the legendary Jim Steinman. Known for his dramatic, theatrical style, Steinman crafted a sound filled with heavy piano, booming drums, and building tension that erupts into a massive chorus.
Bonnie Tyler’s signature raspy vocals give the track its true emotional power. She sings about intense heartbreak, longing, and feeling completely overwhelmed by love. Her passionate delivery makes every line feel larger than life.
Total Eclipse of the Heart Lyrics 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)
