Eighties Archive Song Number
Highest Chart Position
Date Released
Date Of UK Top 40 Entry
Genre
Label
Catalogue Number
Story Behind The Song
Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse Of The Heart” is one of the most dramatic and recognisable power ballads of the 1980s, combining an extraordinary vocal performance with an arrangement of almost operatic scale. Released in 1983, the song marked a major moment in Tyler’s career, showcasing the distinctive husky voice that had become her trademark.
Written and produced by Jim Steinman, the song was originally conceived as part of a musical project based on the story of Nosferatu. Steinman’s theatrical approach is evident throughout, with its sweeping keyboards, crashing drums, layered backing vocals and carefully constructed build-up creating an atmosphere of intense emotion. Tyler’s performance moves from quiet vulnerability to full-throated desperation, perfectly matching the song’s themes of love, longing and emotional uncertainty.
The lyrics describe a relationship in which passion and insecurity exist side by side. The narrator feels overwhelmed by the intensity of her emotions, fearing the loss of someone who has become central to her life. Steinman’s elaborate imagery and dramatic storytelling give the song a cinematic quality, making it feel almost like a miniature musical production.
The accompanying video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, reinforced this theatrical atmosphere with its surreal imagery, mysterious characters and dramatic lighting. Its distinctive visual style became an important part of the song’s identity.
“Total Eclipse Of The Heart” remains a defining recording of the decade, demonstrating how powerful songwriting, ambitious production and an unforgettable voice can combine to create something truly memorable. Tyler’s performance gives the song its emotional force, ensuring that its dramatic intensity continues to captivate listeners more than four decades later.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK singles chart on 12th March 1983.
UK 7'' SLEEVE COVERS
Shown below are the picture sleeve covers (front and back) for the UK release of this single. If no cover sleeve was issued in the UK, we will display another country’s picture sleeve.
UK 7'' TRACK LISTING
| A-Side | Total Eclipse Of The Heart (Single Version) (4:27) (Jim Steinman) Produced By Jim Steinman |
| B-Side | Take Me Back (5:05) (Billy Cross) Produced By Jim Steinman |
CHART PERFORMANCE (80s Chart only)
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [10 Weeks] – 26th February 1983 – 30th April 1983 |
OFFICIALLY RELEASED VERSIONS
All officially released versions that appeared in the 80s:-
- Total Eclipse Of The Heart (Single Version) (4:27)
- Total Eclipse Of The Heart (Radio Edit) (5:34)
- Total Eclipse Of The Heart (Albun Version) (6:58)
See ALL releases of ‘Total Eclipse Of The Heart’ on Discogs.
To hear the FULL version of the songs below, you will need an active Spotify account (Free one). Just log in on your desktop/tablet or phone to hear the FULL versions.
OFFICIAL VIDEO
SONG LYRICS
(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
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
(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
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
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)
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
Turn around, bright eyes
Turn around, bright eyes
(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
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
(Turn around, bright eyes)
Every now and then, I fall apart
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 only)
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)
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
Turn around, bright eyes
Turn around, bright eyes
Turn around
Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
Ah-ha, ah-ha
Ah-ha, ah-ha
Ooh, ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh
Written By Jim Steinman
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