Spanish Eyes

About This Song

“Spanish” was originally called “Moon Over Naples” a 1965 instrumental composed and originally performed by German bandleader Bert Kaempfert. A vocal version by Sergio Franchi with lyrics by Charles Singleton was recorded in 1966, but did not chart successfully. It would become a hit single in 1966 for Al Martino when a new set of lyrics were written by composer Eddie Snyder, and the title changed to “Spanish Eyes”. As “Spanish Eyes”, the song would go on to be performed by the likes of Elvis Presley, Engelbert Humperdinck, Wayne Newton, Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias. Stevan Pasero’s arrangement features a bolero rhythm and altered chords, yet preserving the enchanting melody, theme and harmonic structure originally intended by Kaempfert. Guitarists will be challenged by cascading harmonics, moving bass lines and a Spanish-styled, flamenco-esque middle section transposed to the key of E (from the key of G major).