JoJo Siwa has built a career around bright, direct pop anthems for a young audience, and some lines in her songs echo iconic imagery from older media. One recurring question ties a classic turn of phrase to her catalog. The phrase Bette Davis eyes comes from a 1977 Kim Carnes hit and describes a look that is striking, bold, and intensely expressive. In JoJo Siwa's universe, that exact phrase does not appear as a lyric, but the idea of larger-than-life eye-based expression aligns with her high-glam, maximalist visual style. This guide explains the origin of the lyric and how it connects—or does not connect—to JoJo Siwa's music and persona.
Origins of 'Bette Davis Eyes'
The song "Bette Davis Eyes," written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon and made famous by Kim Carnes in 1977, uses the titular eyes as a shorthand for a powerful, captivating stare. It dominated airwaves, won Grammy Awards, and became deeply embedded in popular culture. The phrase is now shorthand for vintage Hollywood glamour meets sharp, unapologetic confidence. Because the line is so culturally familiar, new generations sometimes encounter it in unexpected contexts, including through contemporary kid-friendly pop and viral trends.
JoJo Siwa's catalog and lyrical themes
JoJo Siwa is known for concise, high-energy songs that foreground confidence, individuality, and fun. Her choruses are designed for arena-sized singalongs and clip-ready moments on social platforms. While she has touched on themes of self-expression, sparkle, and standing out, she does not use the exact lyric "Bette Davis eyes" in any of her mainstream releases. Her brand leans heavily on inclusive, repeatable hooks rather than historical film or literary references. That distinction matters when tracing how certain phrases travel into new music.
Why the association might appear
Fans and casual listeners sometimes link "Bette Davis eyes" to JoJo Siwa through mashups, TikTok edits, or playful edits of older songs with modern kid-culture visuals. The comparison often centers on the idea of oversized, expressive eye makeup or dramatic looks that command attention. In this context, the phrase functions as cultural shorthand rather than a direct citation. It is useful to separate artistic influence or stylistic comparison from actual lyrical content to avoid confusion about authorship or quotation.
Notable differences in style and era
The eras and industries involved are distinct. Kim Carnes' recording reflects the late 1970s rock-tinged, adult-oriented pop landscape. JoJo Siwa's output targets a younger demographic with a polished, child-safe pop aesthetic and heavy presence on digital platforms. The comparison is primarily visual and tonal rather than textual or musical. Understanding these differences helps listeners appreciate each artist on their own terms without conflating references.
Breaking down the core elements
Below are the key attributes that clarify the relationship between the lyric and the artist.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of phrase | Kim Carnes, 1977 song co-written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon | Music publishing records |
| JoJo Siwa lyric usage | No verified occurrence of the exact phrase in mainstream releases | Lyric databases, official discography |
| Common context of comparison | Expressive eye makeup, dramatic visual style in fan edits | Social media analysis, fan discussion |
| Primary audience overlap | Cross-generational appreciation via platforms like TikTok | Platform analytics, trend reports |
| Commercial relationship | No direct collaboration, samples, or licensing noted | Copyright records, publishing statements |
Audience perception and discoverability
Because of the strong visual identity of JoJo Siwa's brand, new comparisons can emerge quickly online. Younger audiences who know the phrase from older references may initially assume a direct link where there is only stylistic resonance. Search behavior often reflects this curiosity, especially when videos pair her looks with classic lines. Content moderators and editors benefit from clarifying these boundaries to support accurate search experiences and fan understanding.
How to discuss the lyric responsibly
When describing connections between eras, it is best practice to separate style from text. You can note that JoJo Siwa's work embodies confidence and bold presentation, which may evoke imagery associated with classic lines like Bette Davis eyes, while being clear that the lyric itself is not present in her catalog. This approach preserves historical context, respects copyright clarity, and avoids misrepresentation.
Key takeaways
- The phrase Bette Davis eyes originates from Kim Carnes' 1977 song, not from JoJo Siwa's writing.
- JoJo Siwa's catalog does not include that exact lyric in verified releases.
- Comparisons are typically visual or stylistic, based on expressive presentation, rather than textual or commercial.
- Confusing the reference with an actual lyric can lead to misattribution of sources and potential copyright misunderstandings.
- Clear communication helps audiences appreciate both the classic reference and the contemporary artist on their own terms.
For ongoing clarity, treat the phrase as a cultural touchstone that may inspire comparisons but remains distinct from JoJo Siwa's original output. Accurate attribution supports both artists and ensures that fans can explore connections without confusion about authorship or source.