Released in May 1970, (They Long to Be) Close to You was the lead single from The Carpenters’ second studio album, also titled “Close to You.”
The song, written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, became the duo’s breakthrough hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and propelling the album to multi-platinum sales.
The album “Close to You” is considered a landmark in the Carpenters’ discography, showcasing their signature sound of Karen Carpenter’s warm contralto vocals and Richard Carpenter’s impeccable arrangements.
Produced by Jack Daugherty, the album’s success cemented The Carpenters’ status as one of the most popular easy-listening acts of the 1970s.
A Storied History Before The Carpenters
While The Carpenters’ version is the most well-known, (They Long to Be) Close to You was recorded by several artists before them.
The song was first released in 1963 by Richard Chamberlain under the title “They Long to Be Close to You.”
Dionne Warwick recorded a demo in 1963 and a full version in 1964, while Dusty Springfield’s take remained unreleased until 1967.
Burt Bacharach himself released his own version in 1971.
A Timeless Melody and Lyrical Elegance
What makes They Long to Be Close to You so enduring is its melodic beauty and lyrical elegance.
The song’s opening piano chords immediately set a romantic tone, followed by Karen Carpenter’s emotive vocals expressing a yearning for emotional intimacy.
The lyrics, penned by Hal David, are a poetic exploration of the universal desire for connection and closeness.
Lines like “Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?” and “Just like me, they long to be close to you” resonate with listeners, capturing the magic and wonder of newfound love.
Lyrics Breakdown: A Poetic Exploration of Love
The song’s verses paint a picture of a person so captivating that even nature’s wonders seem drawn to them, a metaphor for the magnetic pull of romantic attraction.
The bridge offers a fanciful backstory, describing the subject’s birth as a celestial event orchestrated by angels, sprinkling stardust and moonlight to create a “dream come true.”
A Masterful Arrangement and Vocal Harmony
While the songwriting is exceptional, it’s the Carpenters’ arrangement and vocal performance that truly elevate (They Long to Be) Close to You to iconic status.
Richard Carpenter’s production showcases his talent for arranging, blending elements of soft rock, easy listening, and orchestral flourishes.
Karen Carpenter’s lead vocals are complemented by her brother’s harmonies, creating a rich tapestry of sound.
The instrumental backing, featuring contributions from the renowned Wrecking Crew musicians, adds layers of warmth and sophistication, from the gentle piano to the soaring trumpet and flute embellishments.
A Song for the Ages
The enduring popularity of They Long to Be Close to You is a testament to its timeless appeal.
The song has been featured prominently in various pop culture moments, from its recurring use in the animated series “The Simpsons” to its inclusion in the 2007 film “The Simpsons Movie.”
Nearly five decades after its release, (They Long to Be) Close to You remains a beloved classic, a song that captures the essence of romantic longing and the universal human desire for connection.
Its enduring popularity invites listeners to revisit this masterpiece and experience the magic of The Carpenters’ artistry once again.
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Carpenters (They Long to Be) Close to You lyrics
Verse 1
Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Verse 2
Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Bridge
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
Verse 3
That is why all the girls in town (Girls in town)
Follow you (Follow you) all around (All around)
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Bridge
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
Verse 3
That is why all the girls in town (Girls in town)
Follow you (Follow you) all around (All around)
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me (Just like me), they long to be
Close to you
Outro
Wha, close to you
Wha, close to you
Ha, close to you
Wha, close to you
Wha, close to you
Wha, close to you
Wha, close to you
Wha
