About the song
“The Closer You Get” isn’t just a song by Alabama, it’s a story of transformation. Originally penned in 1980 by J.P. Pennington and Mark Gray of the band Exile, the song initially struggled to find its footing. While Exile released their own version in 1981, it failed to garner widespread recognition. Country singer Don King took another stab at the song later that year, achieving a modest peak at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Even Rita Coolidge, known for her powerful vocals, included her rendition on her 1981 album “Heartbreak Radio,” but it didn’t break through commercially.
Enter Alabama in 1983. The band, already establishing themselves as a force in country music, took “The Closer You Get” and completely reshaped it. Gone was the acoustic simplicity of Don King’s version. Alabama injected a powerful dose of rock energy, featuring distorted guitars and a more complex arrangement. Even the vocals received a makeover, departing from the stripped-down approach of previous versions. Country music writer Tom Roland aptly describes Alabama’s transformation as one driven by “distorted guitars, a more elaborate arrangement and an altered vocal sound.”
This bold reimagining proved to be a masterstroke. Alabama’s “The Closer You Get” skyrocketed to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, marking their tenth chart-topping hit. But the impact transcended the country genre. The song’s energy and catchy melody resonated with a wider audience, propelling it to No. 38 on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its crossover appeal.
The song’s success was further solidified by a captivating music video, which became a regular fixture on country music channels like CMT and Great American Country. Interestingly, the single version of “The Closer You Get” differs from the album version. Opting for a tighter format, the single omits the first verse and second refrain, condensing the story into a radio-friendly package. This shorter version has become a staple on many of Alabama’s greatest hits compilations, ensuring its continued presence in the hearts of country music fans.
“The Closer You Get” stands as a fascinating example of how a song’s destiny can change through interpretation. While the initial versions laid the groundwork, it was Alabama’s bold reinvention that propelled it to iconic status. Their powerful rendition not only solidified their place in country music history, but also demonstrated the genre’s capacity to embrace rock influences and reach a broader audience.
Video
Lyrics
The closer you get, the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, the further I fall.The things that you say to me
The look on your face
Brings out the man in me
Do I see a trace in your eyes of loveThe closer you get, (oh baby) the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, (em hmm) the further I fallCould I be dreamin’
Is this really real
‘Cause there’s something magic
The way that I feel in your arms tonight.The closer you get, (oh yeah) the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, (em hmm) the further I fall.Keep fallin’, oh, yeah, yeah, keep fallin’,
Mm, fallin’, oh, yeah, yeah, I’m fallin’.Yes, I’m fallin’ (Yes, I’m fallin’ Yes, I’m fallin’)
Yes, I’m fallin’ (Yes, I’m fallin’ Yes, I’m fallin’)
Yes, we’re fallin’ (Yes, we’re fallin’ Yes, we’re fallin’).The closer you get, (oh yeah) the further I fall (um hmm)
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
(Um hm) The closer you get, (em hmm) the further I fall.The closer you get, the further I fall
I’ll be over the edge now in no time at all.
I’m fallin’ faster and faster and faster with no time to stall
The closer you get, the further I fall.