About the song
Jay and the Americans, a quartet known for their smooth harmonies and catchy melodies, delivered a timeless classic with “Come a Little Bit Closer” in 1964. This infectious tune, penned by the songwriting duo of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, along with Wes Farrell, climbed to the top of the charts and solidified the band’s place in the annals of rock and roll history.
The song’s irresistibly upbeat tempo and the group’s signature vocal blend create a captivating atmosphere. The lyrics, filled with longing and anticipation, invite the listener into a world of romantic desire. The refrain, “Come a little bit closer,” is a simple yet powerful plea that resonates with listeners of all ages.
“Come a Little Bit Closer” marked a significant milestone in Jay and the Americans’ career. It was their first top 5 hit in over two years, following the success of “She Cried” in 1962. The song’s popularity extended beyond its initial release, with subsequent covers by artists such as Johnny Duncan and Janie Fricke further cementing its legacy.
The enduring appeal of “Come a Little Bit Closer” lies in its ability to evoke nostalgia and capture the essence of a bygone era. It remains a beloved anthem for those who cherish the music of the 1960s and a testament to the enduring power of timeless songwriting.
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Lyrics
In a little café
Just the other side of the border
She was a-sitting there a-givin’ me
Looks that made my mouth water
So I started walking her way
She belonged to bad man, José
And I knew, yes I knew I should leave
When I heard her say, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
So we started to dance
In my arms, she felt so inviting
And I just couldn’t resist
Just one little kiss, so exciting
Then I heard the guitar player say
“Vamoos, José’s on his way!”
And I knew, yes I knew I should run
But then I heard her say, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
Then the music stopped
When I looked the café was empty
Then I heard José say
“Man, you know you’re in trouble plenty”
So I dropped my drink from my hand
And through the window, I ran
And as I rode away
I could hear her say to José, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)
Woah woah (Come a little bit closer)
I can still hear her say (Come a little bit closer)
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)