Bruce Springsteen recorded "Sad Eyes" in early 1990 at his home studio in Beverly Hills, California. This was a time of immense change for the artist. He had recently parted ways with the E Street Band and was exploring new musical directions.

Physical copies of Tracks (CD or vinyl) also include the song. It’s well worth seeking out—especially late at night with headphones on.

: Other fans and critics argue the narrator is more manipulative, watching and waiting for the woman's vulnerability to "win" her over. Lines like " I guess sad eyes never lie

Many analysts, such as those at E Street Shuffle , view the song as far more manipulative, arguing the protagonist is a narcissist preying on a vulnerable woman's emotional instability. Lines like "here you come all dressed up for a date, one more step and it'll be too late" suggest a predatory, rather than protective, perspective.