The Meaning Behind The Song: The Closer I Get To You by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
The Closer I Get To You is a classic soul song that was released in 1978. It was performed by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway and written by legendary songwriters Reggie Lucas and James Mtume. The song was released on the Atlantic Records label and quickly became a hit, climbing charts and becoming a staple in R&B radio.
The song was later covered by other artists, such as Luther Vandross and Beyonce, but none of them could capture the same magic as Roberta and Donny did. The Closer I Get To You is a love song that explores emotions and feelings that every couple goes through. In this article, we will break down the song’s lyrics and discover the meaning behind them.
Verse 1: Donny Hathaway’s Opening
“The closer I get to you
The more you make me see
By giving me all you’ve got
Your love has captured me”
The song opens with Donny Hathaway’s soothing voice singing about the feeling of being in love. The closer he gets to the person he loves, the more he can see and feel their love. The lyrics suggest that love is something that grows with time and that the more you invest in it, the more it captures you.
Chorus: Roberta Flack’s Response
“Over and over again
I try to tell myself that we
Could never be more than friends
And all the while inside
I knew it was real
The way you make me feel”
Roberta Flack’s response to Donny Hathaway’s opening is a recognition of the feelings inside her. She tries to convince herself that they can only be friends, but deep down, she knows that the love she feels is real. The lyrics indicate that sometimes, we try to deny our feelings, but they persist because they are genuine.
Verse 2: Donny Hathaway’s Perspective
“And oh so many times
We’ve been down the road of love
And we saw love and shattered
I’m so far away from you
But I really wanna say
Is I love you”
In the second verse, Donny Hathaway sings about the ups and downs of love. Their love has been through difficult times, but they have overcome them. He acknowledges that distance is currently separating them, but he still affirms his love.
Chorus: Roberta Flack’s Response
“Don’t keep it inside
Come on and talk to me
Let me show you
What you mean to me”
Roberta Flack’s response to the second chorus encourages communication between two lovers. She wants him to open up to her and express his feelings. She also reassures him that she will show him how much he means to her.
Bridge: Harmonizing Together
“The closer I get to you
The more you make me see
By giving me what you’ve got
Your love has captured me
Over and over again
I try to tell myself that we
Could never be more than friends
And all the while inside
I knew it was real
The way you make me feel
Ooo, it’s alright
Ooo, it’s alright”
The bridge brings both Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway together in harmony. They sing about how the love they share has captured them. Even though they have tried to deny their feelings, they recognize that what they feel is real.
FAQs:
What was the inspiration behind The Closer I Get To You?
The song was written by Reggie Lucas and James Mtume, who were previously part of the group Miles Davis. They were inspired by the feelings of being in love and how it could be seen as a journey. They used the lyrics to convey the ups and downs that come with relationships, emphasizing the importance of communication.
Who originally recorded The Closer I Get To You?
The original recording of the song was done by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway in 1978. It was a big hit and earned the duo a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1979.
What other artists have covered The Closer I Get To You?
The song has been covered by various artists over the years, including Luther Vandross, Beyonce, and Tamia. However, none of them were able to capture the same magic and emotion as the original recording.
What is the meaning behind the lyrics, “Don’t keep it inside, come on and talk to me”?
This lyric is a call to communicate with a partner and not to hold back feelings. Communicating openly with a partner is essential in any relationship. Roberta Flack encourages Donny Hathaway to open up to her and be honest about his feelings.
Why is The Closer I Get To You considered a classic soul song?
The Closer I Get To You is considered a classic soul song because it epitomizes the genre’s characteristics: emotional and personal lyrics, powerful vocals, and smooth instrumental accompaniment. The song’s timeless sound and message make it a soul classic.
What genre does The Closer I Get To You belong to?
The Closer I Get To You is an R&B/soul ballad. The slow tempo and emotional vocals make the song fit comfortably into this genre.
What awards did Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway win for The Closer I Get To You?
The pair won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1979 for their recording of the song.
What are some other classic soul songs similar to The Closer I Get To You?
Other classic soul songs that share a similar sound and feeling as The Closer I Get To You include:
– ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’ by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
– ‘Let’s Stay Together’ by Al Green
– ‘When a Man Loves a Woman’ by Percy Sledge
What instruments are used in The Closer I Get To You?
The instrumental accompaniment for The Closer I Get To You includes piano, guitar, bass, drums, and a string section. These instruments work together to create the song’s overall sound.
What was the impact of The Closer I Get To You on the music industry?
The Closer I Get To You was a significant hit, reaching the top of the R&B charts and earning Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway their Grammy Award. The song’s influence can still be felt today, with artists such as Beyonce covering it. It continues to be a beloved classic soul song.
What is the message of The Closer I Get To You?
The message of The Closer I Get To You is one of love and emotional connection. The lyrics emphasize the importance of communication, recognizing and embracing feelings, and investing in a love that grows stronger over time.
