About the song
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a poignant country song written by Bob McDill and performed by Keith Whitley. Released in March 1988, this track was the third single from Whitley’s album of the same name. The song quickly resonated with listeners, climbing to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on August 13, 1988. It also reached number two in Canada and was named Billboard’s number-one country single of the year for 1988.
The song’s narrative centers around a relationship where the narrator is troubled by his partner’s lingering feelings for a former lover. He pleads with her to “don’t close your eyes,” suggesting that she might be daydreaming about her ex rather than focusing on their relationship. This theme of emotional vulnerability and longing is conveyed through Whitley’s heartfelt delivery.
The music video for “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” directed by Michael McClary, premiered in mid-1988 and helped further the song’s popularity.
Over the years, the song has been covered by several artists, including Alan Jackson, who featured it on a 1995 tribute album for Keith Whitley. Kellie Pickler also included a rendition on the deluxe edition of her 2008 album, and Jake Worthington performed it during his time on “The Voice.” Garth Brooks honored Whitley by performing the song at the 50th CMA Awards and later included it in “The Ultimate Collection” box set sold exclusively at Target in 2016.
The song’s enduring appeal is also reflected in its commercial success. It has sold 475,000 digital copies in the United States as of March 2019 and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA for one million units sold.
In a modern tribute, the song was reimagined as “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Ashamed Remix)” by Kxng Crooked, Truth Ali, Jonathan Hay, and Morgan McRae. This version, released on July 1, 2015, adds a contemporary twist while honoring Whitley’s legacy. The remix was part of “The Urban Hitchcock LP” and its music video premiered on MTV News.
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” remains a significant piece of country music history, reflecting both the emotional depth and the enduring legacy of Keith Whitley’s work.
Video
Lyrics
I know you loved himA long time agoEven now in my armsYou still want him, I knowBut darling this timeLet your memories dieWhen you hold me tonightDon’t close your eyesDon’t close your eyesLet it be meDon’t pretend it’s himIn some fantasyDarling, just once let yesterday goAnd you’ll find more loveThan you’ve ever knownJust hold me tightWhen you love me tonightAnd don’t close your eyesMaybe I’ve been a foolHolding on all this timeLyin’ here in your armsKnowing he’s in your mindBut I keep hoping some dayThat you’ll see the lightLet it be me tonightDon’t close your eyesDon’t close your eyesLet it be meDon’t pretend it’s himIn some fantasyDarling, just once let yesterday goAnd you’ll find more loveThan you’ve ever knownJust hold me tightWhen you love me tonightAnd don’t close your eyesDon’t close your eyesLet it be meDon’t pretend it’s himIn some fantasyDarling, just once let yesterday goYou’ll find more loveThan you’ve ever knownJust hold me tightWhen you love me tonightAnd don’t close your eyesJust hold me tightWhen you love me tonightAnd don’t close your eyes