Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive show news, updates, and more!
Jimmy Fallon and Heart Performed "Total Eclipse of the Heart" During the Solar Event
Ann Wilson's stunning vocals cut through the (partial) darkness while Nancy Wilson shredded on guitar for the Bonnie Tyler cover—and the band later played their hit "Barracuda."
On April 8, 2024, people around the world gathered to watch a rare solar eclipse. Meanwhile, classic rock legends Heart alongisde Jimmy Fallon gathered in New York City to deliver a stunning rendition of Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart," with Ann Wilson's stunning vocals cutting through the (partial) darkness.
"We have a special show tonight," Fallon said at the top of The Tonight Show cold open, dressed in over-the-top 1980s garb straight out of The Wedding Singer.
"Heart is our musical guest, and today is obviously the solar eclipse. So we thought we have to do what we have to do," he continued. "We have to sing 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' with Heart, while watching the solar eclipse."
While Fallon provided a major assist with the iconic "Turn around..."s, the cover was a showcase for Ann Wilson's gale-force voice. Her sister, Heart guitarist Nancy Wilson, sported hot pink highlights as she provided additional background vocals. The sky was not-quite-dark but definitely out of the ordinary, casting a unique light on the ensemble as stage smoke billowed in the foreground.
RELATED: Conan O'Brien Is Returning to The Tonight Show This Week
Watch Heart perform Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and "Barracuda" on The Tonight Show
Throughout Heart and Fallon's performance, the camera cut to high-definition footage of the moon passing almost completely in front of the sun. New York City was not in the path of totality, meaning the sun wasn't completely blacked out (i.e. a "total eclipse"). Nevertheless, it was quite the spectacle to view through the proper eyewear — and a cosmically perfect backdrop for a cover performed live from 30 Rockefeller Center's roof.
Watch to the end to see Fallon's magical transformation. Guess we now know who the "Bright Eyes" in the song was all this time!
RELATED: Alison Brie Absolutely Crushed This Pat Benatar Song Cover
Heart also performed one of their best-known songs during their visit to The Tonight Show: "Barracuda," from their 1977 album Little Queen. The band, who's teamed up with Cheap Trick for their Royal Flush tour, sounds great as ever on the guitar-driven song (pro tip: do not attempt "Barracuda" at karaoke unless you've got Ann Wilson-level pipes).
Watch Heart play "Barracuda" below.
Sing along with the "Total Eclipse of the Heart" lyrics
Check out the lyrics to Bonnie Tyler's 1983 hit below, written by Jim Steinman.
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit lonely
And you're never coming round
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit tired
Of listening to the sound of my tears
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit nervous
That the best of all the years have gone by
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
And then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit restless
And I dream of something wild
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit helpless
And I'm lying like a child in your arms
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit angry
And I know I've got to get out and cry
(Turn around)
Every now and then I get a little bit terrified
But then I see the look in your eyes
(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
And I need you now tonight
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right 'cause we'll never be wrong
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
(All of the time)
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight, forever's gonna start tonight
(Forever's gonna start tonight)
Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
There's nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart
(Turn around, Bright-eyes… Turn around, Bright-eyes… )
(Turn around)
Every now and then I know you'll never be the boy
You always wanted to be
(Turn around)
But every now and then I know you'll always be the only boy
Who wanted me the way that I am
(Turn around)
Every now and then I know there's no one in the universe
As magical and wonderous as you
(Turn around)
Every now and then I know there's nothing any better
There's nothing that I just wouldn't do
(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
(Turn around, Bright-eyes)
Every now and then I fall apart
And I need you now tonight
(And I need you)
And I need you more than ever
And if you only hold me tight
(If you'll only)
We'll be holding on forever
And we'll only be making it right 'cause we'll never be wrong
(And we'll never)
Together we can take it to the end of the line
Your love is like a shadow on me all of the time
(All of the time)
I don't know what to do and I'm always in the dark
We're living in a powder keg and giving off sparks
I really need you tonight, forever's gonna start tonight
(Forever's gonna start tonight)
Once upon a time I was falling in love
But now I'm only falling apart
Nothing I can do
A total eclipse of the heart
Once upon a time there was light in my life
But now there's only love in the dark
Nothing I can say
A total eclipse of the heart
A total eclipse of the heart
A total eclipse of the heart
