Alabama – The Closer You Get

About the song

“The Closer You Get” is a memorable song recorded by the American country music band Alabama. Originally written in 1980 by J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray of the band Exile, the song found its greatest success when Alabama released their version in April 1983. This track was both the title track and the second single from their album *The Closer You Get…*.

The song’s journey to success was a bit circuitous. Prior to Alabama’s recording, the song was released by Exile, but it did not achieve notable success. Don King also released a version, which reached No. 27 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in October 1981. Additionally, Rita Coolidge included it on her 1981 album *Heartbreak Radio* and released her own single version.

Alabama’s rendition of “The Closer You Get” brought a fresh and distinctive sound to the song. Their version featured an elaborate arrangement with distorted guitars and a distinct vocal style, setting it apart from the earlier versions. According to country music writer Tom Roland, Alabama’s approach gave the song a unique edge that resonated well with audiences.

The result was a significant hit for Alabama, marking their tenth No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. The song also made an impact on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 38, demonstrating its crossover appeal.

The music video for “The Closer You Get” further enhanced its popularity and has been featured on networks like CMT and Great American Country. For radio and retail purposes, a shorter single edit was produced, omitting parts of the original album version. This edit is included on several of Alabama’s compilation albums, such as *Greatest Hits Vol. II* and *For the Record*.

Overall, Alabama’s version of “The Closer You Get” stands out as a key part of their successful career and continues to be a beloved track among country music fans.

Video

Lyrics

The closer you get, the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, the further I fall.

The things that you say to me
The look on your face
Brings out the man in me
Do I see a trace in your eyes of love

The closer you get, (oh baby) the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, (em hmm) the further I fall

Could I be dreamin’
Is this really real
‘Cause there’s something magic
The way that I feel in your arms tonight.

The closer you get, (oh yeah) the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, (em hmm) the further I fall.

Keep fallin’, oh, yeah, yeah, keep fallin’,
Mm, fallin’, oh, yeah, yeah, I’m fallin’.

Yes, I’m fallin’ (Yes, I’m fallin’ Yes, I’m fallin’)
Yes, I’m fallin’ (Yes, I’m fallin’ Yes, I’m fallin’)
Yes, we’re fallin’ (Yes, we’re fallin’ Yes, we’re fallin’).

The closer you get, (oh yeah) the further I fall (um hmm)
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
(Um hm) The closer you get, (em hmm) the further I fall.

The closer you get, the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, the further I fall.