Roberta Flack – The Closer I Get to You

About the song

**Roberta Flack’s** “The Closer I Get to You” is a timeless ballad that has captured the hearts of listeners for generations. Released in 1972, this soulful love song became a massive hit, showcasing Flack’s extraordinary vocal abilities and the enduring power of heartfelt lyrics.

The song’s introspective nature invites us into a world of emotional vulnerability, where love’s complexities and contradictions are laid bare. Flack’s voice, rich and expressive, conveys a sense of both longing and contentment, as she navigates the delicate balance between intimacy and distance. The arrangement, featuring lush strings and a gentle piano accompaniment, creates a captivating atmosphere that complements the song’s emotional depth.

The lyrics of “The Closer I Get to You” explore the paradoxical experience of love, where the desire for closeness can sometimes lead to feelings of uncertainty and fear. The opening lines, “The closer I get to you, the further away I am,” encapsulate this tension perfectly. Flack’s delivery is both vulnerable and assertive, as she grapples with the conflicting emotions that arise when love becomes intertwined with doubt.

The song’s bridge offers a moment of reflection, as Flack contemplates the nature of love and its ability to both heal and wound. The lyrics “I’m afraid to love again, but I’m afraid not to” convey a sense of profound ambivalence, highlighting the risks and rewards associated with opening one’s heart.

The final chorus of “The Closer I Get to You” is a powerful affirmation of love’s enduring power. Flack’s voice soars with emotion as she declares, “I love you more than I can say, I love you more with every day.” The song concludes on a note of hope and optimism, suggesting that despite the challenges and uncertainties of love, it is ultimately a force that can bring joy and fulfillment.

Roberta Flack’s “The Closer I Get to You” is a masterpiece of songwriting and vocal performance. Its timeless appeal lies in its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level, exploring the complexities of love and the human experience in a way that is both universal and profoundly personal. This enduring classic continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, serving as a testament to the power of music to touch our hearts and inspire our souls.

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Lyrics

The closer I get to you
The more you make me see
By giving me all you got
Your love has captured me

Over and over again
I tried 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

Lying here next to you
Time just seems to fly
Needing you more and more
Lets give love a try (oh, oh, oh)

Sweeter than sweeter love grows
And heaven’s there for those
Who fool the tricks of time
With the hearts of love they find true love
In a special way

The closer I get to you
The more you make me see
By giving me all you 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

The closer I get to you
The more you make me see
By giving you all I got
Your love has captured me

The closer I get to you
The feeling comes over me (me too)
Pulling closer, sweet as the gravity

(The closer I get) to you