The Alan Parsons Project – Eye in the Sky

The Alan Parsons Project – Eye in the Sky

‘Eye in the Sky’ is a song by British rock band the Alan Parsons Project, released as a single from their sixth studio album, Eye in the Sky (1982), in May 1982. It entered the US Billboard charts on 3 July and hit No. 3 in October 1982, No. 1 in both Canada and Spain, and No. 6 in New Zealand, becoming their most successful release. The instrumental piece entitled ‘Sirius’ segues into ‘Eye in the Sky’ on the original recording.

On the original recording, the 1:54 minute instrumental piece entitled ‘Sirius’ immediately precedes, and segues into, ‘Eye in the Sky’. On the single release, ‘Eye in the Sky’ appears on its own, with ‘Sirius’ edited out; that was the version usually played on pop radio at the time. However, album-oriented rock and classic rock stations now almost always include the ‘Sirius’ intro.

The Alan Parsons Project

The rumor has it that this song gets its theme from George Orwell's 1984, which revolves around a dystopian future where citizens are constantly monitored by a totalitarian world government. However, even the official page of the Alan Parsons project that talks about this song doesn't mention any connection. There is also nothing in the lyrics to connect it with this novel - those who have read the book know there are no specific references to "eyes in the sky," i.e. satellites and such, but just cameras and telescreens everywhere. Meanwhile, the lyrics make no reference to Big Brother, Newspeak, proles, ministries, Room 101, and so on, which is common jargon in the book. So, let's just say this is unconfirmed, and caution about making snap judgments regarding a novel that has become such a potent counterculture icon in exactly the same way that Guy Fawkes - and Che Guevara before him - became counterculture fashion.

A little more credible is the claim that it's a reference to ceiling cameras, particularly in casinos, where the same term ‘eye in the sky’ is used. However, the basic message is that of somebody dumping a lover, while asserting that they know too well how the reaction will be. In a 1984 interview, Alan Parsons did say that there was a 1984 association on the album as a whole: "We wanted to base the album on the sort of concept of big brother is watching you - there's always a camera watching you, there's always a helicopter in the sky overseeing you, and you can read a line of small newspaper print from space."

T-Shirt Sale

Label – Arista
Songwriters – Alan Parsons, Eric Woolfson
Producers – Alan Parsons, Eric Woolfson

SONG LYRICS

[Verse 1]
Don't think sorry's easily said
Don't try turning tables instead
You've taken lots of chances before
But I ain't gonna give anymore
Don't ask me
That's how it goes
'Cause part of me knows what you're thinking
 
[Verse 2]
Don't say words you're gonna regret
Don't let the fire rush to your head
I've heard the accusation before
And I ain't gonna take any more
Believe me
The sun in your eyes
Made some of the lies worth believing
 
[Chorus]
I am the eye in the sky
Looking at you
I can read your mind
I am the maker of rules
Dealing with fools
I can cheat you blind
And I don't need to see any more to know that
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind
 
[Verse 3]
Don't leave false illusion behind
Don't cry, I ain't changin' my mind
So find another fool like before
'Cause I ain't gonna live anymore believin'
Some of the lies while all of the signs are deceiving
 
[Chorus]
I am the eye in the sky
Looking at you
I can read your mind
I am the maker of rules
Dealing with fools
I can cheat you blind
And I don't need to see anymore to know that
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind
I am the eye in the sky
Looking at you
I can read your mind
I am the maker of rules
Dealing with fools
I can cheat you blind
And I don't need to see anymore to know that
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind (Looking at you)
I can read your mind
[Guitar Solo]
Back to blog