Listen to Keith Whitley’s Hauntingly Beautiful Ballad “Don’t Close Your Eyes” and Get Lost in the Music!
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a classic country ballad that was written by Bob McDill and performed by Keith Whitley. Released in 1988, the song quickly became one of Whitley’s most popular tracks, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Chart.
At its core, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a song about temptation and the power of love. The lyrics describe a man who is struggling to resist his desires for a woman who is not his wife. He pleads with her not to close her eyes and give in to their mutual attraction, knowing full well that it will lead to trouble.
Throughout the song, the narrator wrestles with the weight of his conscience and the pull of his emotions. He acknowledges that what he’s doing is wrong, but he also can’t help how he feels: “I know I mustn’t touch, but darling please don’t close your eyes.” His desperation comes through in the lines “This could be just the beginning, darling don’t you realize / If we leave this all behind us, there’s no telling what we’ll find.”
The song’s chorus is a simple yet powerful refrain that captures the essence of the narrator’s plea: “Don’t close your eyes, let it be me / Don’t pretend it’s him, in some fantasy / Darling just once, let yesterday go / And you’ll find more love than you’ve ever known.”
Despite the weighty subject matter, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a beautiful and haunting song that showcases Whitley’s distinctive vocal style. The song’s melody is melancholic and wistful, underscoring the sadness and longing in the lyrics.
Ultimately, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a cautionary tale about the dangers of giving in to temptation and the importance of staying true to one’s commitments. It’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners, reminding us of the power of love and the importance of making the right choices.