Singers and Vocalists, Song Lyrics

Don’t Close Your Eyes Lyrics by Various Artists

Keith Whitley, Alan Jackson, and Kix Brooks are inspirational figures in country music, each contributing uniquely to the genre. Whitley, known for his emotional vocal delivery and powerful ballads, rose to fame in the 1980s with a mix of traditional country and bluegrass.

Another artist, Jackson, a towering figure in country music, has spent over three decades blending classic honky-tonk country with bluegrass and gospel, solidifying his place in the neotraditional country movement.

Kix Brooks, as one half of the legendary duo Brooks & Dunn, helped shape the sound of country music in the ’90s with hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” and “My Maria.” Together, they have each left a lasting impact on the country music scene.

About the Song

“Don’t Close Your Eyes” is a ballad about heartbreak, emotional sensitivity, and the pain of lost love. The song’s soulful delivery and heartfelt lyrics helped establish Whitley as one of country music’s most emotive vocalists.

Artist	Released	Album	Writers	Producers
Keith Whitley	March 1, 1988	The Essential Keith Whitley	Bob McDill	Garth Fundis, Keith Whitley
Alan Jackson	September 27, 1994	Keith Whitley: A Tribute Album	Bob McDill	Keith Stegall
Kix Brooks	1988	Kix Brooks	Bob Halligan Jr. & Donnie Purnell	Tom Werman

Lyrics by Keith Whitley & Alan Jackson

Verse 1

I know you loved him a long time ago
And 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 eyes

Chorus

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’ve ever known
Just hold me tight when you love me tonight
And don’t close your eyes

Instrumental Break

Verse 2

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 some day that you’ll see the light
Let it be me tonight, don’t close your eyes

Chorus

Outro

Just hold me tight when you love me tonight
And don’t close your eyes

Complete Lyrics by Kix

Whatcha doing out in the night time?
Why’d you call me on the phone?
Your mama can’t solve your problems
When’s daddy ever get home?
So you did your little move and cried
In the middle of a suicide

Don’t close your eyes
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t sing your last lullaby

There’s no one there to hold you
No one hears your scream
You live life up and down
Your nightmare’s are your dreams
I know it’s lonely when you’re hanging ’round
Don’t you take it lying down, no, no

Hold on, hold on tight
I’ll make everything all right
Wake up, don’t go to sleep
I pray the Lord your soul to keep

Don’t close your eyes
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t sing your last lullaby

Similar Songs Like Don’t Close Your Eyes

If you are into deep self-observation songs, here’s a list of song recommendations that you need to try:

I’m No Stranger to the Rain: It is a powerful ballad about enduring hardship that showcases Whitley’s deep, emotional vocals.
Chattahoochee: This lively, upbeat song about carefree summer days spent by the river captures the essence of small-town life. Its catchy rhythm and relatable lyrics make it a staple in Jackson’s discography.
My Maria: It is a lively, passionate song about love and longing, with Kix Brooks’s smooth vocals perfectly capturing the song’s heartfelt lyrics and upbeat melody.

Award for The Song

Category	Award
Billboard Achievement	“Don’t Close Your Eyes” was Billboard’s number-one country single of the year in 1988

Various Similar Artists to Choose From

Here’s a list of similar artists if you enjoy soft, heartfelt music or old romance:

Randy Travis
Genre: Country, Neotraditional Country
Top Albums: Storms of Life (1986), Always & Forever (1987), High Lonesome (2004)
Travis Tritt
Genre: Country, Southern Rock
Top Albums: It’s All About to Change (1991), T-R-O-U-B-L-E (1992), The Storm (2007)
Toby Keith
Genre: Country, Country Rock
Top Albums: How Do You Like Me Now?! (2000), Shock’n Y’All (2003), American Ride (2009)

Casey Monroe

Casey focuses on writing about singers and vocal performers. They've been in this field for about 8 years. Casey's articles look at both the technical side of singing and the stories behind the artists. They studied music performance in college and worked as a vocal coach for a while. This background helps Casey explain complex singing ideas in ways that are easy to grasp. Casey likes to talk with singers from different genres to get a wide view of the singing world. When not writing, they often go to concerts and music festivals to stay up-to-date with live performances.

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