“Wonderful Tonight” is a beautiful song by Eric Clapton from his 1977 album Slowhand.
Eric Clapton wrote this song in 1976 when he was waiting for his girlfriend (and future wife), Pattie, to get ready for a night out. They were going to a tribute event for Buddy Holly organized by Paul McCartney. Clapton found himself waiting while she got dressed.
The lyrics are simple, yet profound, and can be interpreted as a heartfelt expression of love and appreciation for one’s partner.
In this article, we’ll analyze the meaning behind the lyrics.
“Wonderful Tonight” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
It’s late in the evening, she’s wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me, “Do I look all right?”
And I say, “Yes, you look wonderful tonight”
In verse 1 of the song, Eric Clapton is describing a moment with his lover, Pattie. It’s late in the evening, and Pattie is getting ready for an event.
She’s deciding what clothes to wear, applying makeup, and brushing her long blonde hair.
She then asks Clapton if she looks alright, and he lovingly reassures her, telling her that she looks wonderful tonight.
[Verse 2]
We go to a party and everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady that’s walking around with me
And then she asks me “Do you feel all right?”
And I say, “Yes, I feel wonderful tonight”
In verse 2, Eric Clapton and Pattie are now at a party, and everyone at the event is noticing her beauty and elegance as she walks alongside him.
People turn to look at her. Pattie then asks Clapton if he feels alright, and he responds by affirming that he feels wonderful tonight.
This verse illustrates how Clapton takes pride in Pattie’s presence and how he cherishes their time together at the party.
[Bridge]
I feel wonderful because I see
The love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don’t realize how much I love you
In the bridge of the song, Eric Clapton expresses his deep emotions for Pattie.
He feels wonderful because he sees love and affection in her eyes.
Clapton is captivated by the wonder of their love and is amazed that Pattie may not fully realize how much he loves her.
[Verse 3]
It’s time to go home now and I’ve got an aching head
So I give her the car keys and she helps me to bed
And then I tell her, as I turn out the light
I say, “My darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight”
In verse 3, Eric Clapton shows his appreciation for Pattie. He depicts a scene where it’s time to leave the event, and Clapton has a headache.
He entrusts Pattie with the car keys and she helps him to bed, showing her care and support.
As Clapton turns out the light, he takes a moment to express his love and gratitude to Pattie, telling her that she was wonderful that night.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Wonderful Tonight”
“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton is a song that reflects his deep love and admiration for Pattie Boyd and their tumultuous relationship.
Written in 1976, the song portrays Clapton’s deep affection for Pattie as he patiently waits for her to prepare for an event. At the time, Pattie had previously been married to Clapton’s close friend, George Harrison, and Clapton’s love for her had spanned several years.
After Boyd and Harrison divorced, Clapton and Boyd began dating and eventually got married in 1979. Just before their wedding, Clapton performed “Wonderful Tonight” for Boyd on stage in Tucson, Arizona. However, their marriage faced difficulties and ended in divorce in 1989.
Despite their breakup, the song remains a symbol of the love they shared. Its lyrics were inspired by a simple moment when Clapton was waiting for Boyd to get ready for a night out, expressing his affection and appreciation for her.
Boyd remembered the first time Clapton played the song for her, which surprised her as she was worried about her appearance.
The song is titled “Wonderful Tonight” because it reflects the feelings of admiration and affection that Eric Clapton has for his lover, Pattie Boyd, in the context of a special evening. When Pattie asks him if she looks all right before they go out, he responds by telling her that she looks “wonderful tonight.”
In the end, “Wonderful Tonight” is a romantic expression of how someone can feel when they are with the person they love, finding them utterly beautiful and captivating, even in the simplest of moments.
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