“The Secret That Made Conway Twitty’s ‘I See The Want To In Your Eyes’ a Country Legend: Unveiling the Hidden Story Behind the Iconic Song”

Unveiling the Narrative Behind Conway Twitty‘s Classic: “I See The Want To In Your Eyes”

Penned by the accomplished songwriter Wayne Carson, the timeless country ballad “I See The Want To In Your Eyes” achieved chart-topping glory through Conway Twitty’s soulful rendition in 1974. While Wayne Carson was far from a newcomer to the music scene, this particular composition etched a remarkable chapter in his illustrious career.

Wayne Carson’s musical journey had taken him through the vibrant music landscape of Memphis during the late ’60s, where he collaborated with renowned record producer Chips Moman. Carson’s talents graced numerous pop recording sessions, and he also authored hits for the Box Tops, such as “The Letter,” “Neon Rainbows,” and “Soul Deep.”

His breakthrough in the country genre came in 1966 when Eddy Arnold’s rendition of “Somebody Like Me” topped the country charts. As the new decade unfolded, Carson’s songwriting prowess found a welcoming home in country music. Waylon Jennings soared into the Top Twenty with “Don’t Let The Sun Set On You In Tulsa” in 1971. Elvis Presley replicated this achievement with “Always On My Mind” in ’73 (though Willie Nelson’s iconic version would come later). Johnny Paycheck’s 1977 hit “Slide Off Of Your Satin Sheets” also featured Carson’s songwriting. Notably, “No Love At All” made it to the Top Twenty twice—once on the country charts with Lynn Anderson and again on the pop charts with B. J. Thomas.

Nevertheless, it was Gary Stewart who championed Wayne Carson’s work with unwavering support. Stewart’s rendition of Carson’s “She’s Acting Single (I’m Drinking Doubles)” reached the number one spot in 1975, marking a significant milestone. Their collaboration began with the hit “Drinkin’ Thing,” which cracked the Top Ten in the summer of ’74. Interestingly, “I See The Want To In Your Eyes” lay hidden on the flip side of “Drinkin’ Thing.”

Conway Twitty’s encounter with this hidden gem was nothing short of serendipitous. Twitty stumbled upon “I See The Want To In Your Eyes” while tuning in to his car radio during a rare moment when a DJ decided to flip the record and play the “B” side of Gary Stewart’s hit. The song had such a profound impact on Twitty that he had to pull over to regain his composure. Though the DJ mentioned the artist, Conway was unfamiliar with Gary Stewart, who was relatively new to the scene. Driven by sheer enthusiasm, Twitty embarked on a mission to uncover the origins of this mesmerizing track. To his astonishment, he discovered that RCA had not been promoting Gary Stewart’s version of “I See The Want To In Your Eyes.” Conway Twitty promptly brought the song into the studio, and his rendition ascended to the coveted number one position on October 19, 1974, where it reigned supreme for two consecutive weeks. This achievement marked Twitty’s sixteenth chart-topping hit out of a remarkable forty in his illustrious career.

In the annals of country music history, “I See The Want To In Your Eyes” stands as a testament to the serendipitous moments that can lead to the creation of timeless classics. Wayne Carson’s artistry, Gary Stewart’s passionate delivery, and Conway Twitty’s heartfelt interpretation all played a pivotal role in making this song an enduring favorite among country music enthusiasts. The story behind this iconic composition is a testament to the magic that can happen when talent and fate converge on the open road of musical discovery.

Album: I’m Not Through Loving You Yet
Artist: Conway Twitty
Released: 1974

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