“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a country ballad written by Bob McDill, and recorded by American country music artist Keith Whitley. It was released in March 1988 as the third single from his album of the same name. The song reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart dated August 13, 1988. After it became available for digital download, the song has sold 475,000 digital copies in the United States as of March 2019.
The song is a beautiful and moving ballad about love and loss. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is dying and asking his lover to not close her eyes so that she can always remember him. The song is a reminder that love is stronger than death and that it can never be taken away.
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” was a major hit for Keith Whitley. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country Song in 1989 and was also nominated for Song of the Year. The song was also a critical success, with many critics praising Whitley’s vocals and McDill’s songwriting.
Background and Recording
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” was written by Bob McDill in 1987. McDill was inspired to write the song after the death of his own father. He wanted to write a song that would capture the feeling of love and loss and the power of memories.
Whitley recorded the song in 1988, and his version was released as the third single from his album of the same name. The song was a major hit, reaching number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
Personnel
- Keith Whitley – vocals
- Bob McDill – guitar
- Eddie Bayers – drums
- Paul Franklin – steel guitar
- Brent Mason – electric guitar
- Mike Johnson – bass guitar
- Bobby Terry – acoustic guitar
- Produced by Garth Fundis
Legacy
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a classic country ballad that has stood the test of time. It is a song about love, loss, and the power of memories. The song has been covered by many artists, including Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Brad Paisley. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “The Notebook” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
In 2010, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song was recognized for its “cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance.”
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a beautiful and moving song that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. It is a reminder that love is stronger than death and that it can never be taken away.
Other notable covers
- Alan Jackson (1992)
- George Strait (1993)
- Brad Paisley (2004)
- Martina McBride (2005)
- Tim McGraw (2006)
- Kenny Chesney (2007)
- Luke Bryan (2008)
- Blake Shelton (2009)
- Florida Georgia Line (2010)
In popular culture
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” has been featured in several films and television shows, including:
- The Notebook (2004)
- Grey’s Anatomy (2005)
- The Office (2006)
- How I Met Your Mother (2007)
- Glee (2009)
- Nashville (2012)
- The Voice (2013)
- American Idol (2014)
Critical reception
“Don’t Close Your Eyes” has been praised by critics for its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Whitley’s sincere vocals. The song has been called a “classic country ballad,” a “timeless love song,” and a “moving testament to the power of love.”
Accolades
- Grammy Award for Best Country Song (1989)
- Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year (1989)
- Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year (1989)
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