She Takes My Breath Away

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is spinning a classic for you today with She Takes My Breath Away by Eddie Money from his 1991 album Right Here. This track, which hit No. 5 on the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks and stayed on the charts for 12 weeks, is a love letter to Money’s wife, Laurie. In a 1992 interview with The Noblesville Ledger, Eddie gushed, “She has a great body; she is gorgeous. She has three kids and one on the way for me. She takes my breath away and I think people can relate to [that] song.” The song’s infectious rhythm-guitar groove and up-tempo vibe made it a standout, even on an album that some critics, like Dana Tofig of the Hartford Courant, called uneven. Fun fact: you might’ve caught this tune in the 1992 action-comedy flick Kuffs, where it added some rock flair to the soundtrack.

Now, let’s dive into another tidbit about She Takes My Breath Away. The song was co-written by Eddie Money, Gary Bromham, Dennis Morgan, Monty Byrom, and Marc Tanner, with production by Tanner and Money, plus a boost from Randy D. Jackson. Its lyrics, like “Ah, such a pretty girl / A red dress, looking too serious / When she walks into a room / Wearin’ those high heels,” paint a vivid picture of admiration and desire. Fans on social media, particularly in Eddie Money Fan Club on Facebook, often share how this song captures the spark of falling hard for someone. One fan posted, “This song reminds me of meeting my wife—she walked in, and I was done for!” The track’s live version, featured on the BMG 8-Track Classics Live! album, brings an extra raw energy that Zoo Freaks would totally vibe with.

Let’s talk about how Eddie Money got his start. Born Edward Joseph Mahoney on March 21, 1949, in Manhattan, New York, Eddie grew up in a large Irish Catholic family in Levittown, Long Island. His dad was a police officer, and at 18, Eddie tried to follow in his footsteps, joining the New York City Police Department as a trainee. But the short-hair, uniform life wasn’t for him. He ditched the badge in 1968, moved to Berkeley, California, and chased his music dreams, taking the stage name Eddie Money—a playful nod to his broke days. Studying with vocal coach Judy Davis and inspired by rockers like David Bowie, he honed his craft in Bay Area nightclubs. Rock impresario Bill Graham spotted his talent, landing him a deal with Columbia Records. His 1977 debut album, featuring hits like Baby Hold On and Two Tickets to Paradise, went double platinum, cementing his place as a working-class rocker with a knack for catchy hooks.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to keep up with Eddie Money’s legacy, check out his official website for discography and updates. You can also follow along on his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where fans and family share memories and news, like the 2024 release of Eddie’s final recording, Stay with Me, announced by his wife, Laurie. If you’re looking to connect with fellow fans, join the Eddie Money Fan Club on Facebook or visit fan sites like Lyrics.com for lyrics and bio details. So, crank up She Takes My Breath Away, and let’s keep the Zoo Crew vibes rollin’!