About The Song
Background
“The Closer You Get” is a song by the American country band Alabama. Released in 1983 as the title track of their album, the song became one of their signature hits, contributing to their rise as one of the most successful country music acts of the 1980s. Written by J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray, the song showcases Alabama’s distinctive blend of country, rock, and pop influences, which characterized their music during this period.
Musical Style
Musically, “The Closer You Get” blends elements of traditional country with a more contemporary sound that was popular in the 1980s. Alabama’s harmonies and instrumental arrangement feature prominently, with tight vocal harmonies complementing the upbeat tempo and rhythmic guitar-driven melody. The song’s instrumentation includes electric guitars, drums, and keyboards, which together create a polished yet accessible sound. Alabama’s vocal delivery, led by Randy Owen’s distinctive voice, adds a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the song. The production by Harold Shedd ensures a clean and dynamic mix, highlighting both the vocal performance and instrumental prowess of the band. Overall, “The Closer You Get” exemplifies Alabama’s ability to craft radio-friendly country hits that appealed to a wide audience.
Lyrics
Lyrically, “The Closer You Get” explores the theme of unrequited love and longing. The narrator expresses his desire for someone who remains out of reach, despite his best efforts. The opening lines set the tone:
“The closer you get, the further I fall I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all” These lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and emotional intensity, as the narrator grapples with his feelings for someone he cannot have. The chorus reinforces this sentiment, emphasizing the inevitability of his emotional descent: “The closer you get, the further I fall I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all” The song’s bridge offers a brief respite, where the narrator reflects on the futility of his situation: “Well, I don’t know how you do what you do I’m so in love with you, it just keeps getting better” Overall, the lyrics of “The Closer You Get” resonate with listeners through their universal themes of love, desire, and heartache, making it a relatable and enduring country classic.
Cultural Impact
“The Closer You Get” had a significant cultural impact, solidifying Alabama’s status as one of the leading country bands of the 1980s. The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, marking yet another success for the group in a string of hit singles. Its crossover appeal also helped expand Alabama’s fan base beyond traditional country music listeners, contributing to their mainstream popularity. Moreover, the song’s success contributed to Alabama’s broader influence on the country music genre during the 1980s. By blending elements of rock and pop with traditional country, Alabama helped define the “country pop” sound that dominated much of the decade. Their ability to craft catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonated with a wide audience, further cementing their place in country music history.
“The Closer You Get” also showcased Alabama’s prowess as songwriters and musicians, earning them critical acclaim alongside commercial success. The song’s enduring popularity has ensured its place in the canon of country music classics, with continued airplay on radio stations and inclusion in various compilations of the band’s greatest hits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “The Closer You Get” stands as a quintessential example of Alabama’s ability to blend traditional country music with contemporary influences, creating a sound that resonated with audiences in the 1980s and beyond. With its polished production, heartfelt lyrics, and dynamic vocal performance, the song remains a beloved classic within the country music genre. Its cultural impact extends beyond charts and awards, influencing subsequent generations of country artists and continuing to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal. Alabama’s legacy as pioneers of country pop is reaffirmed by songs like “The Closer You Get,” which continue to evoke nostalgia and admiration among fans of all ages.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Casey joins the hollow sound of silent people walking down
The stairway to the subway in the shadows down below
Following their footsteps through the neon-darkened corridors
Of silent desperation, never speakin’ to a soul
The poison air he’s breathin’ has the dirty smell of dying
‘Cause it’s never seen the sunshine and it’s never felt the rain
But Casey minds the arrows and ignores the fatal echoes
Of the clickin’ of the turnstiles and the rattle of his chains
“Oh, ” she said, “Casey, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you”
“Here, ” she said, “Just a kiss to make a body smile”
“See, ” she said, “I’ve put on new stockings just to please you”
“Lord, ” she said, “Casey, can you only stay a while?”
Casey leaves the underground and stops inside the Golden Crown
For something wet to wipe away the chill that’s on his bone
Seeing his reflection in the lives of all the lonely men
Who reach for anything they can to keep from goin’ home
Standin’ in the corner, Casey drinks his pint of bitter
Never glancing in the mirror at the people passing by
Then he stumbles as he’s leaving and he wonders if the reason
Is the beer that’s in his belly, or the tear that’s in his eye
“Oh, ” she said, “I suppose you seldom think about me”
“Now, ” she said, “Now that you’ve a fam’ly of your own”
“Still, ” she said, “It’s so blessed good to feel your body”
“Lord, ” she said, “Casey, it’s a shame to be alone”
