"More addictive than a goddam video game" - Balloon Juice

"One of my very favorite music blogs ever..." - Singer/Songwriter Emma Wallace

"Fascinating... really GREAT!!! You'll learn things about those tunes we all LOVE to play and blow on... SOD is required reading for my advanced students. It's fun, too!" - Nick Mondello of
AllAboutJazz.com

"I never let a day go by without checking it." - Bob Madison of Dinoship.com

"I had dinner the other night with some former WNEW staff members who spoke very highly of your work." - Joe Fay

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Close Your Eyes

By Bernice Petkere
1933

Ironically, although this melodic ballad was composed by the American songwriter Petkere, it was actually introduced by British crooner Al Bowlly (pictured) and the Ray Noble orchestra. With its beautifully romantic lyric and hummable tune, it has remained in favor by practitioners of the Songbook ever since.

Lyrics:

Music play
Something dreamy for dancing
While we're here romancing
It's love's holiday
And Love will be our guide
Close your eyes
When you open them dear
I'll be right hear by your side.

So...
Close your eyes
Rest your head on my shoulder and sleep
Close your eyes
And I will close mine.

Close your eyes
Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep
Close your eyes
This is divine.

Recorded By:

Harry Belafonte
Tony Bennett
Stacey Kent
Doris Day
Peggy Lee

3 comments:

emma wallace said...

Oh! Somehow I've never heard this one before! It's so cute - I love the minor tonality and simple lyrics.

iamemmamusic.blogspot.com

B-Sol said...

It's a real beauty, Emma, and I especially like Stacey Kent's rendition!

Kurt said...

You need to hear the Ruth Etting version to appreciate this song.

Listen to The Jonathan Station