Alabama – The Closer You Get

About the song

Alabama’s “The Closer You Get” is a timeless country ballad that has captivated audiences for decades. Written by J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray, the song was originally recorded by Exile in 1981 but gained widespread recognition through Alabama’s iconic rendition in 1983.

While the song’s origins can be traced back to Exile, Alabama’s version was a departure from earlier recordings. The band infused the song with a distinctive sound, featuring distorted guitars, a more elaborate arrangement, and a unique vocal approach. This transformation proved to be a winning formula, propelling “The Closer You Get” to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

The song’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery. It explores the complexities of a troubled relationship, delving into themes of love, loss, and the desire for connection. The powerful chorus, with its poignant line “The closer you get, the further apart we grow,” captures the song’s central message with raw honesty.

Beyond its commercial success, “The Closer You Get” has also become a beloved standard in country music. Numerous artists, including the Eli Young Band and Little Big Town, have covered the song, paying tribute to its enduring legacy.

Alabama’s “The Closer You Get” is a testament to the power of great songwriting and the art of interpretation. Its emotional depth, memorable melody, and enduring popularity have solidified its place as a country music classic.

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.