A fixture at proms and weddings, Eric Clapton wrote “Wonderful Tonight” in 1976 while waiting for his girlfriend (and future wife) Pattie to get ready for a night out. They were going to a Buddy Holly tribute that Paul McCartney put together, and Clapton was in the familiar position of waiting while she tried on clothes.
About This Song
“Wonderful Tonight” is a classic rock song written and performed by Eric Clapton. It was released in 1977 and became one of his most well-known and beloved songs. The track appears on his album titled “Slowhand.”
The song is a beautiful and heartfelt ballad, often associated with romantic moments and slow dances. It is said to have been inspired by Clapton’s then-wife, Pattie Boyd. The lyrics reflect a moment when the singer is attending a party or event with his partner and admires her beauty and grace, feeling fortunate to be with her on that special evening.
“Wonderful Tonight” has been a timeless favorite for many generations, and its simple yet emotional melody, along with Clapton’s soulful vocals and guitar work, has made it an enduring classic.
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Lyric
It’s late in the evening
She’s wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her makeup
And brushes her long blonde hair
And then she asks me
“Do I look all right?”
And I say, “Yes, you look wonderful tonight”
We go to a party
And every one turns to see
This beautiful lady
Who’s walking around with me
And then she asks me
“Do you feel all right?”
And I say, “Yes, I feel wonderful tonight”
I feel wonderful because I see the love light in your eyes
Then the wonder of it all is that you just don’t realize
How much I love you
It’s time to go home now
And I’ve got an aching head
So I give her the car keys
And she helps me to bed
And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say, “My darling you were wonderful tonight”
“Oh, my darling, you were wonderful tonight”