from WALLFLOWER
Written by Timothy B. Schmit, Glenn Frey & Don Henley
“I Can’t Tell You Why” was a signature ballad of the legendary Eagles’. This soft-rock staple was conceived by the group’s singer/bassist Timothy B. Schmit and completed in collaboration with the Eagles’ main men, singer/drummer Don Henley and singer/guitarist Glenn Frey (1948 to 2016). Beautifully sung by Schmit on his first lead vocal for the group, “I Can’t Tell You Why” was released as the third single off the band’s 1979 The Long Run album. The song sported a blue-eyed soul feel with its gorgeous verses, memorable refrain, immaculate vocal and instrumental performances, reached #8 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
This evergreen was happily resurrected by Diana Krall and David Foster for the uber-talented jazz singer/pianist’s 2015 Wallflower cd. Ms. Krall was confronted by a handful of pop classics that were skillfully modernized by Foster in an elegant, ultra-sophisticated traditional pop atmosphere. “I Can’t Tell You Why” was reinvented by The Hitman with a flowing, orchestral setting underscored by an irresistible, Brazilian-tinged beat. On top of an amazing instrumental performance by Ramon Stagnaro on acoustic guitar, Christian McBride on acoustic bass and Karriem Riggins on drums, there’s Ms. Krall’s trademark piano playing with her smoky, seductive lead vocal breathing new life into this timeless melody. A smart touch to the track were the familiar backing vocals courtesy of the songs’ co-writer and original vocalist, Timothy B. Schmit. Foster’s pristine production and the amazing work of his team of engineers brought Wallflower a well-deserved Grammy nod as Best Engineered Album, Non Classical. Ms. Krall’s version of “I Can’t Tell You Why” was released as a single and reached the top ten on the Smooth Jazz chart.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Diana-Krall-I-Cant-Tell-You-Why.mp3|titles=I Can’t Tel You Why|artists=Diana Krall]
Lead Vocal & Piano: Diana Krall
Acoustic Bass: Christian McBride
Drums: Karriem Riggins
Acoustic Guitar: Ramon Stagnaro
Backing Vocals: Timothy B. Schmit
Arranged by David Foster & William Ross
Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
Look at us baby, up all night
Tearing our love apart
Aren’t we the same two people who live
Through years in the dark?
Ah
Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can’t tell you why
When we get crazy,
It just ain’t to right, (try to keep you head, little girl)
Boy, I get lonely, too
You don’t have to worry
Just hold on tight (don’t get caught in your little world)
‘Cause I love you
Nothing’s wrong as far as I can see
We make it harder than it has to be
And I can’t tell you why
No, baby, I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why
Every time I try to walk away
Something makes me turn around and stay
And I can’t tell you why
And I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why
I can’t tell you why