About the song
The Carpenters’ iconic “(They Long to Be) Close To You.” Released in 1970 as a single from their album Close to You, this track wasn’t just a monumental hit, soaring to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning them a Grammy Award for Best New Artist; it was a global phenomenon that launched The Carpenters into superstardom and established their signature sound. It’s far more than just a popular single; it’s a beautifully crafted testament to the magic of serendipitous love, a moment when the world aligns perfectly for two souls.
The lyrics of “Close To You,” penned by the legendary songwriting team of Burt Bacharach and Hal David, evoke a sense of wonder and almost divine intervention in the discovery of love. The narrator marvels at the improbable perfection of their beloved, attributing their beauty and charm to celestial origins – “On the day that you were born the angels got together / And decided to create a dream come true.” This sense of awe extends to the way the loved one interacts with the world, making birds sing and stars appear. It’s a pure, almost innocent expression of complete infatuation and profound admiration, where every small detail about the beloved seems divinely ordained. Phrases like “Just like me, they long to be close to you” capture the universal yearning for connection, making the narrator’s personal wonder relatable to anyone who has felt that exhilarating pull toward another person. It’s a song that speaks to the joyous discovery of a love so perfect it feels like destiny.
Karen Carpenter’s vocal performance on “Close To You” is, quite simply, legendary. Her voice, renowned for its incredible purity, warmth, and effortless control, delivers the intricate melody and heartfelt lyrics with a gentle perfection that few vocalists have ever matched. She imbues every note with a profound sense of tenderness and wonder, making the listener feel the almost reverent awe the narrator experiences. There’s a crystalline clarity to her tone, yet it’s brimming with genuine emotion, making the seemingly simple declarations of love resonate with immense depth. Richard Carpenter’s meticulous arrangement and backing vocals perfectly frame Karen’s lead, providing a lush, sophisticated foundation that enhances her exquisite performance without ever overshadowing it. Their synergy is what made the song, and their sound, so unique and instantly recognizable.
The musical arrangement of “Close To You” is quintessential Burt Bacharach, executed flawlessly by The Carpenters. It features a sophisticated yet accessible pop orchestration, characterized by its distinctive brass flourishes, gentle strings, a subtle Latin-infused rhythm, and a wonderfully melodic piano line. The arrangement is complex yet flows with an effortless grace, creating an atmosphere that is both elegant and incredibly inviting. The production is pristine, allowing every instrument and, most importantly, Karen’s pristine vocals, to shine with remarkable clarity. It’s a masterclass in pop arrangement, creating a sound that was both innovative for its time and utterly timeless in its appeal.
“(They Long to Be) Close To You” resonated deeply with audiences worldwide because its themes of perfect, serendipitous love, delivered with such unparalleled vocal and musical artistry, are universally cherished. It became a defining song for The Carpenters, solidifying their place as one of the most successful and enduring acts of their era. It remains a timeless classic, a beautiful and heartwarming reminder that sometimes, the most profound connections are those that make you feel truly close to you.
Video
Lyrics
Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Wa, close to you
Wa, close to you
Ha, close to you
La, close to you
