“Eloise,” released in 1968 under the MGM label and performed by Barry Ryan, stands as a quintessential piece of melodramatic pop history. Composed by Paul Ryan, Barry’s twin brother, the song unfolds dramatically over five minutes, showcasing lush orchestration and Barry Ryan’s emotive vocals. The track soared to international acclaim, selling over three million copies worldwide and capturing the top spot in 17 countries, including the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, and Australia.
Initially credited as “Barry Ryan with the Majority,” the single featured backing from the Majority, a pop band who later found success as Majority One in Europe. The song’s allure extended beyond its original release, with Barry Ryan also recording an Italian-language rendition titled “Eloise (Versione Italiana)” the same year.
The genesis of “Eloise” traces back to Paul Ryan’s shift from performing to songwriting, catalyzed by his reaction to Richard Harris’s “MacArthur Park.” Inspired by its arrangement, Paul secluded himself and penned “Eloise” in a mere three days. Recorded at London’s IBC Studios, the session enlisted notable musicians such as Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, both future members of Led Zeppelin, alongside Glenn Ross Campbell. The song’s length necessitated just two takes, with the resulting track intriguing everyone present at the mixing desk due to its innovative structure and emotional intensity.
The song’s impact transcended its immediate success, influencing artists like Freddie Mercury of Queen. In a testament to its enduring legacy, Freddie cited “Eloise” as a precedent for longer, unconventional compositions like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a pivotal track in Queen’s career.
“Eloise” remains a poignant example of late 1960s pop craftsmanship, blending orchestral grandeur with heartfelt lyrics to create a timeless anthem of love and longing. Its ability to resonate across generations underscores its status as a classic within the pantheon of pop music history.
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Lyrics
Every night I’m there
I’m always there
She knows I’m there
And heaven knows
I hope she goes
I find it hard
To realize that love was in her eyes
It’s dying now
She knows I’m crying now
And every night I’m there
I break my heart to please
Eloise
Eloise
You know I’m on my knees, yeah
I said please
You’re all I want so hear my prayer
My prayer
My Eloise is like the stars that please the night
The sun that makes the day
That lights the way
and when that star goes by
I’ll hold it in my hands and cry
Her love is mine
My sun will shine
Every night I’m there
I break my heart to please
Eloise (da-da-da-da-da)
Eloise
You’re all I want, you’ve got to hear my prayer
My Eloise
I’d love to please her, I’d love to care
But she’s not there
And when I find you
I’d be so kind you’d want to stay
I know you’d stay
And as the days grow old (doo-doo-doo)
The nights grow cold (doo-doo-doo)
I want to hold her near to me, yeah (aah-aah)
I know she’s dear to me (aah-aah)
And only time can tell (doo-doo-doo)
And take away this lonely hell (doo-doo-doo)
I’m on my knees (aah-aah)
To Eloise (aah-aah)
And every night I’m there
I break my heart to please
Eloise (da-da-da-da-da)
Eloise
You are my life so hear my prayer
You are the prize, I know you’re there
You’re all I want, so hear my prayer
Yeah, yeah
You’re all I need and I’m not there
You know I’m not there
No, no, no, no
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
My Eloise, I’ve got to please her, yeah
She knows I love her, love her, love her, love her, love, love yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
My Eloise, I’ve got your love for me, so please, yeah
My Eloise
She knows I love her, love her, love her, love her, love, love yeah
