About the song
“You Can Close Your Eyes” is a tender and intimate duet by the legendary singer-songwriters James Taylor and Carly Simon. This song, penned by Taylor, first appeared on his 1971 album, “Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon.” The album, a follow-up to his highly successful “Sweet Baby James,” solidified Taylor’s position as a leading figure in the singer-songwriter genre of the early 1970s.
Written during a period of personal and artistic growth, “You Can Close Your Eyes” reflects Taylor’s trademark style: simple, yet deeply expressive lyrics paired with soothing melodies. The song is a gentle lullaby, filled with promises of comfort and peace, and showcases Taylor’s delicate guitar work and warm, emotive vocals. Its lyrics, “Well the sun is surely sinking down, but the moon is slowly rising, so this old world must still be spinning ’round, and I still love you,” convey a timeless message of enduring love and reassurance.
The collaboration with Carly Simon, whom Taylor married in 1972, added a special dimension to the song. Simon’s harmonies blend seamlessly with Taylor’s voice, creating a duet that feels both personal and universally relatable. Their chemistry is palpable, and it adds an extra layer of emotional depth to the song. At the time, both artists were at the peak of their careers, and their union, both personal and professional, was the subject of much public fascination.
Though “You Can Close Your Eyes” was not released as a single, it remains one of Taylor’s most cherished tracks. The album “Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album also included the hit “You’ve Got a Friend,” which won Taylor a Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and sincerity. It is a gentle promise of solace and unwavering love, making it a favorite for moments of personal reflection and shared intimacy. Taylor’s understated guitar accompaniment enhances the song’s lullaby quality, making it a timeless piece that resonates with listeners of all ages.
“You Can Close Your Eyes” has been performed by Taylor and Simon at various times throughout their careers, often serving as a touching encore or a special highlight in their concerts. Its quiet strength and beauty have made it a staple in Taylor’s repertoire, and it continues to be covered by other artists who appreciate its gentle grace and heartfelt sentiment.
For an older, educated audience, “You Can Close Your Eyes” offers a glimpse into the introspective songwriting that defined much of the early 1970s. It is a song that speaks to the enduring nature of love, the comfort of familiar voices, and the beauty of simplicity. Whether revisiting this classic duet or discovering it for the first time, it remains a poignant reminder of the power of music to convey the deepest of human emotions.
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Lyrics
Well the sun is surely sinking down
But the moon is slowly rising
So this old world must still
Be spinning round
And I still love you
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes, it’s all right
I don’t know no love songs
And I can’t sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song when I’m gone
It won’t be long before another day
We gonna have a good time
And no one’s gonna take that time away
You can stay as long as you like
So close your eyes
You can close your eyes
It’s all right
I don’t know no love songs
And I can’t sing the blues anymore
But I can sing this song
And you can sing this song when I’m gone