About The Song
In 1988, Keith Whitley released “Don’t Close Your Eyes” as the third single from his album of the same name. The song quickly climbed to the top spot on the country charts, reaching No. 1, and peaked at No. 2 in Canada. It also earned the prestigious title of Billboard’s No. 1 country Single of The Year.
Whitley’s journey in the music industry had been remarkable from the outset. Originally rooted in bluegrass music, he played alongside Opry legend Ricky Skaggs in the East Kentucky Mountain Boys. Later, both Whitley and Skaggs were discovered by Ralph Stanley, leading to their invitation to join his Clinch Mountain Boys in 1970.
Transitioning to Nashville in 1983, Whitley made a mark in country music, achieving legendary status with 19 singles charting on the Billboard country charts. His emotional depth and ability to convey feelings set him apart. Hits like “When You Say Nothing At All,” “No Stranger In The Rain,” “Miami, My Amy,” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes” showcased his unparalleled talent.
Written by Bob McDill, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” tells the tale of a man in love with a woman who is still trapped in the memories of her past relationship, escaping into thoughts of him every time she closes her 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,” the man begs her.
However, Whitley had his fair share of demons, and that ultimately took his life in 1989 – dying from alcohol poisoning at only 33 years old. Five of Whitley’s first solo singles would top the charts, but he would only live to see three of them go to the top.
Keith Whitley’s life may have been taken away much earlier, yet his music and spirit are alive and well, living in the hearts and lives of fans that cling dearly to this star’s timeless talent. You can watch his breathtaking performance of the heartbreaking ballad in the video below.
Video
Lyrics
I know you loved him
A long time ago
Even now in my arms
You still want him I know
But darling this time
Let your memories die
When you hold me tonight
Don’t close your eyesDon’t close your eyes
Let it be me
Don’t pretend it’s him
In some fantasy
Darling just once
Let yesterday go
You’ll find more love
Than you’ve ever known
Just hold me tight
When you love me tonight
And don’t close your eyesMaybe I’ve been a fool
Holding on all this time
Lyin’ here in your arms
Knowing he’s in your mind
But I keep hoping some day
That you’ll see the light
Let it be me tonight
Don’t close your eyesDon’t close your eyes
Let it be me
Don’t pretend it’s him
In some fantasy
Darling just once
Let yesterday go
You’ll find more love
Than you’ve ever known
Just hold me tight
When you love me tonight
And don’t close your eyesDon’t close your eyes
Let it be me
Don’t pretend it’s him
In some fantasy
Darling just once
Let yesterday go
You’ll find more love
Than you’ve ever known
Just hold me tight
When you love me tonight
And don’t close your eyesJust hold me tight
When you love me tonight
And don’t close your eyes
Guitar chord
chords during intro: C D G Gsus G 1st verse: C D G G/F# Em I know you loved him a long time ago C D G Gsus G Even now in my arms you still want him I know C D G G/F# Em But darling this time let your memories die C D G Gsus G When you hold me tonight don't close your eyes Chorus: C D Don't close your eyes let it be me G G/F# Em Don't pretend it's him in some fantasy C D Darling just once let yesterday go G G/F# Em You'll find more love than you've ever known C D Just hold me tight when you love me tonight G Gsus G And don't close your eyes 2nd verse: 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, don't close your eyes (chorus twice) At the end of the chorus, when he gets to "eyes", you can play this instead of the G/Gsus/G: A+---3--2--2--0----- E+---------------3--