About the song
“Come a Little Bit Closer,” a timeless classic by 1960s rock and roll band Jay and the Americans, remains a cherished piece of musical history. Released in 1964, this song quickly ascended the charts, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking it as the band’s highest-charting single. Its popularity extended further with a number 1 placement on RPM’s singles chart and a commendable position at number 4 on the Cashbox chart.
The song’s success can be attributed to its compelling composition by songwriters Tommy Boyce, Bobby Hart, and Wes Farrell. For Boyce and Hart, renowned for their songwriting prowess, “Come a Little Bit Closer” became their breakthrough into the top 10 hit category, solidifying their place in the music industry.
Beyond its English version, Jay and the Americans also recorded a Spanish rendition of the song, showcasing its versatility and appeal across different audiences. The track’s enduring charm even prompted a cover version in 1977 by American country artists Johnny Duncan and Janie Fricke, which achieved notable success on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Decades after its initial release, “Come a Little Bit Closer” found new life in popular culture, notably featured in the soundtrack of the 2017 blockbuster film “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.” This inclusion introduced the song to a new generation of listeners, cementing its status as a cross-generational favorite.
With its irresistible melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Come a Little Bit Closer” remains a quintessential example of 1960s rock and roll at its finest. Its ability to captivate audiences across different eras speaks volumes about its enduring impact on the music landscape. As a cornerstone of Jay and the Americans’ repertoire, this song continues to resonate with listeners who appreciate its timeless appeal and melodic charm.
Video
Lyrics
In a little café
Just the other side of the border
She was a-sitting there a-givin’ me
Looks that made my mouth water
So I started walking her way
She belonged to bad man, José
And I knew, yes I knew I should leave
When I heard her say, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
So we started to dance
In my arms, she felt so inviting
And I just couldn’t resist
Just one little kiss, so exciting
Then I heard the guitar player say
“Vamoos, José’s on his way!”
And I knew, yes I knew I should run
But then I heard her say, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
Then the music stopped
When I looked the café was empty
Then I heard José say
“Man, you know you’re in trouble plenty”
So I dropped my drink from my hand
And through the window, I ran
And as I rode away
I could hear her say to José, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)
Woah woah (Come a little bit closer)
I can still hear her say (Come a little bit closer)
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)