Dark Eyes (Black Eyes) Simplified Version

“Dark Eyes” is a Russian romance—a sentimental art song—famous worldwide for its dramatic, passionate melody and its association with Romani (“Gypsy”) performance style.

It’s often mistaken for a traditional folk song, but its origins are surprisingly literary and cosmopolitan.

The melody we know today comes from:
“Valse Hommage,” Op. 21
Composed by Florian Hermann (also known as Feodor/Florian Hermann)
Published in 1879