“Don’t Close Your Eyes” by Keith Whitley – SLS

This week for Song Lyric Sunday, Jim Adams has prompted us with songs pertaining to Chin/Ears/Eyes/Face/Mouth/Nose .

There were so many songs to choose from this week. Mostly about eyes & lips. After turning down “Behind Blue Eyes” by The Who, which I figured someone else would do today, “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” by Willie Nelson and “Cotton-Eyed Joe”, I chose a song close to my heart.

“Don’t Close Your Eyes” was written by Bob McDill & recorded by American music artist Keith Whitley. “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was the song that put Whitley on the map & was a huge commercial success. Whitley was an up & coming country music star. This song was recorded in 1987 and released in March 1988. It was Whitley’s 3rd single released from his album of the same name. The week of August 13th, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” reached #1 in America and peaked at #2 in Canada. It was Billboard’s #1 country single of the year in 1988. The song has been covered by Country Music greats such as Alan Jackson for Keith Whitley’s 1995 tribute album and Garth Brooks performed this song at the 50th CMA Awards while Whitley’s widow, country music star, Lorrie Morgan was in the audience.

Keith Whitley only recorded 2 albums before his untimely death on May 9, 1989 at the age of 33. Regardless of this tragedy, he had 12 singles chart on the Billboard country music charts and an additional 7 more after his death from alcoholism. He and Lorrie Morgan had been married for 3 short years at the time. Every country fan in America was heartbroken & I remember feeling the same sadness when I heard the news as when I learned of the death of Elvis. My heart sank into my belly & the tears flowed effortlessly. “Don’t Close Your Eyes” has a deep connection to my past that I don’t want to share here. Suffice it to say, it was a crushing heartbreak that took me many years to get over. The lyrics will tell you all you want to know.

I know you loved him, a long time ago
Even now in my arms, you still want him I know
But darling this time, your memories die
When you hold me tonight, don't close your eyes
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'll ever know
Just hold me tight, when you love me tonight
And don't close your eyes
Maybe I've, been a fool, holding on all this time
Lying here in your arms, knowing he's in your mind
But I keep hoping someday, that you'll see the light
Let it be tonight and don't close your eyes
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'll ever know
Just hold me tight, when you love me tonight
And don't close your eyes
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'll ever know
Just hold me tight, when you love me tonight
And don't close your eyes
Just hold me tight, when you love me tonight,
And don't close your eyes
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Bob McDill
Don't Close Your Eyes lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group