KEITH WHITLEY - DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES

DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES

KEITH WHITLEY

SONGWRITER: BOB MCDILL

COUNTRY: U. S. A.

ALBUM: DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES

LABEL: RCA RECORDS

GENRE: COUNTRY

YEAR: 1988

 

          Jesse Keith Whitley (July 1, 1954 – May 9, 1989) was an American country music singer. During his career, Whitley recorded only two albums but charted 12 singles on the Billboard country charts, and 7 more after his death.

        Born in Ashland, Kentucky, Whitley grew up in nearby Sandy Hook, Kentucky. Whitley began his career there in 1970, performing in Ralph Stanley's band. Establishing himself as a lead singer in bluegrass music, Whitley moved to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1983 and began his recording career there. His first Top 20 Country Hit single, "Miami, My Amy", was released in 1986. In 1988, his first three singles from his studio álbum Don't Close Your Eyes, the title song, "When You Say Nothing at All" and "I'm No Stranger to the Rain" were number one hits. Years of alcoholism severely compromised his health and he died of alcohol intoxication in 1989 at his Goodlettsville home at the age of 34. His later singles, "I Wonder Do You Think of Me", "It Ain't Nothin'", and "I'm Over You", were released after his death.

        "Don't Close Your Eyes" is a song written by Bob McDill, and recorded by American country music artist Keith Whitley. It was released in March 1988 as third single from his album of the same name. In the United States, the single reached number-one for the week of August 13, while peaking at number 2 in Canada. Additionally, it was Billboard's number-one country single of the year 1988.

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.