Ball of Wax 66 Songs: Arthur C. Lee – “Glassy Eyes”

Arthur C. Lee‘s “Glassy Eyes,” like the track that comes before it on this volume of Ball of Wax, is an upbeat pop song that balances its musical sweetness with darker lyrical content. The music is less of a straight-up party than “I Started a Fire,” but it’s still catchy as hell, and if you didn’t focus on the lyrics you might think it was just another winsome love song. However, here Arthur sings from the point of view of someone watching a loved one head down a dark path in life, unable to offer them the help they need. As the parent of a young child, it’s particularly poignant. Will we ever come to that point, where “it’s been so long since I’ve seen a smile,” and all I can do is offer my physical presence and hope for the best? When the little-kid hugs and kisses and giggles go away, will they be replaced with normal teen broodiness, or something more serious, something scarier? Either way, “Glassy Eyes” is a good reminder to get those hugs in while I can, and hope for the best.