Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
Featuring
Producers
Dorothy Dandridge Eyes Lyrics
Looking out the corner of her eye
As she sits alone and drinks her wine
Every man just wants to pass her by
In hopes that he can catch her eye
That glow that’s in her eye
Gives you visions in your mind
She’s from another space and time
That’s when you’ll know you’re hypnotized
Her intoxicating will not be denied
And when you touch her glove
She then becomes your drug
You fall so deep in love with the girl
[Chorus]
It’s too late, you’re hypnotized
She’s got Dorothy Dandridge eyes
And you love her, you love her, you love her, you love that girl
It’s too late, you’re hypnotized
She’s got Dorothy Dandridge eyes
And you love her, you love that girl
[Verse 2: Esperanza Spalding]
Like a rare Picasso or Monet
The kind of beauty studied every day
Every woman wants her grace and style
But no one can replicate her smile
That glow that’s in her eyes
Gives you visions in your mind
She’s from another space and time
That’s when you’ll know you’re hypnotized
And her intoxicating will not be denied
And when you touch her glove
She then becomes your drug
[Esperanza Spalding]
You fall so deep in love, that girl
[Chorus]
It’s too late, you’re hypnotized
She’s got Dorothy Dandridge eyes
And you love her, you love her, you love her, you love that girl
It’s too late, you’re hypnotized
She’s got Dorothy Dandridge eyes
And you love her, you love that girl
[Scat: Esperanza Spalding]
[Chorus]
It’s too late, you’re hypnotized
She’s got Dorothy Dandridge eyes
And you love her, you love that girl
[Spoken: Janelle Monáe]
In your eyes we see the tiny white snowcaps of mountains
(She's got Dorothy's eyes)
The purple glow of distant stars
The blue shine of black metal
Red rose petals falling slowly through the sunny air
Orange clouds, pink moons on the tongue of the sun
Who knew heaven could kiss just like this?
About
For track 18 of The Electric Lady, Janelle pauses her robotic dystopian narrative for a track dedicated to Dorothy Dandridge. She’s joined by legendary jazz composer/singer Esperanza Spalding.
Dandridge was an actress, singer and model who was most prominent during the 1950’s and 60’s. Janelle likely chose to pay homage to her because her success was a huge landmark in black women’s rights, having been the first african american actress to be nominated for an Academy Award.
Janelle can be seen explaining more on how this track came together here:
I wanted to just pay respect. Not only was Dorothy beautiful but she was an activist, she opened up doors for people, and we just didn’t think people were letting this generation know how important she was to young African Americans."
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 3.Q.U.E.E.N.
- 6.Primetime
- 12.It’s Code
- 13.Ghetto Woman
- 15.Victory
- 17.Sally Ride
- 18.Dorothy Dandridge Eyes
- 23.I Want You Back