About the song
Good day, friends. Today, I’d like us to take a moment to appreciate a song that is a perfect example of one of country music’s greatest singers doing what he did best: turning a moment of unspoken desire into a masterful work of art. I’m talking about the legendary Conway Twitty and his iconic 1974 hit, “I See The Want To In Your Eyes.”
This song is a quintessential Conway Twitty ballad, a masterclass in subtlety and simmering emotion. It’s not a loud, boisterous anthem of passion, but a quiet, intimate observation of a love that can’t be spoken. The genius of the song, written by Wayne Carson and Tony Joe White, lies in its focus on the unspoken. The narrator is in a room with a woman who is with another man, but he’s not paying attention to her words or actions; he’s looking at her eyes. He sees the “want to” there, a silent but undeniable longing that speaks volumes more than any conversation could. It’s a theme that is both incredibly romantic and deeply melancholic, capturing the profound tension of a moment where emotions are running high but a sense of decorum must be maintained.
Conway Twitty’s vocal performance is what truly brings this song to life. His voice, that smooth, honey-coated baritone with its famous “Twitty growl,” is the perfect vehicle for this kind of material. He sings with a hushed, almost conspiratorial tone, making the listener feel like they are being let in on a secret. His delivery is a perfect blend of tenderness and barely contained passion. He conveys a deep respect for the woman’s situation, but his voice also holds a sense of confident, knowing desire. He sings the line “I see the want to in your eyes” not as a challenge, but as a gentle acknowledgment, a shared understanding between two people who are caught between their feelings and their circumstances.
The musical arrangement is classic countrypolitan, a slow, deliberate ballad that builds a moody, romantic atmosphere. With the tasteful sounds of a steel guitar, a soft piano, and the full-bodied swell of strings, the music creates a backdrop that is both elegant and deeply emotional. It supports the intimacy of the vocal performance without ever getting in the way, allowing Twitty’s voice and the song’s powerful lyrics to take center stage.
In the end, Conway Twitty – I See The Want To In Your Eyes is more than just a hit song. It’s a timeless exploration of unspoken emotion, a testament to the profound power of a single look, and a perfect example of why Conway Twitty will forever be remembered as a true master of the country love song.
Video
Lyrics
I see the sparkling little diamond on your hand
It’s plain to see that you’ve already got a man
I can tell you’re not about to fall for any of my lines
I see the want to in your eyes
Deep in your smile there’s a quiet, soft desire
Like the ember of a once raging fire
You know I could light that fire again
You know it isn’t wise
I see the want to in your eyes
How strong is a band of gold
Is it strong enough to hold
When a love has grown cold
And a woman wants a love, sweet and warm
How many women just like you have silent schemes
How many men like me do they sleep with in their dreams
You can stay or you can go and although I sympathize
I still see the want to in your eyes
I see the want to in your eyes
