About the Song
In 1970, the Carpenters had a transformative year, starting with a modest debut on the charts but ending with a historic success. Their rendition of Bacharach and David’s “(They Long to Be) Close to You” was a breakthrough, spending a month at No.1 on the U.S. Hot 100. This song became their signature hit and propelled them to international stardom.
Originally recorded by actor-singer Richard Chamberlain in 1963 and later by Dionne Warwick in 1964, “(They Long to Be) Close to You” had yet to reach its full potential until the Carpenters took it on. Their version, which was recorded in 1970, had a fresh, easy-listening pop sound, and Richard Carpenter’s arrangement brought a unique warmth to the song. Initially, the track was not an immediate chart-topper in the U.K., peaking at No.6 in October 1970 after a slow but steady climb.
The song’s success in the U.S. was meteoric, and its appeal helped the Carpenters break into the British market as well. The single’s climb in the U.K. was especially notable in an era dominated by soul, reggae, and hard rock. At the time, artists like Desmond Dekker, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath were rising in popularity, making the Carpenters’ gentle, melodic style a standout.
Legacy and Impact
“(They Long to Be) Close to You” is a timeless classic that helped solidify the Carpenters as one of the most beloved pop duos of the ’70s. The song’s combination of Karen Carpenter’s soft yet powerful vocals and Richard’s expert arrangement made it a perfect reflection of their easy-listening pop style. It not only topped the charts but also became a defining track of their career.
The song’s success marked the Carpenters’ shift from a group with a modest following to one of the most successful pop acts of the 1970s. Despite this, the Carpenters wouldn’t see another Top 10 single in the U.K. until “Goodbye to Love” in 1972, showing how their path to global recognition was more gradual. Still, “(They Long to Be) Close to You” remains a standout example of the Carpenters’ unique sound, known for its warmth, melody, and the emotional depth conveyed through Karen Carpenter’s voice.
Lyrics
Why do birds suddenly appear
Every time you are near?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Why do stars fall down from the sky
Every time you walk by?
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Wa, close to you
Wa, close to you
Ha, close to you
La, close to youAdvertisement
