About the song
“Watch Closely Now” is a powerful and electrifying track performed by Kris Kristofferson for the 1976 soundtrack of *A Star is Born*. This song captures the intense emotions and inner turmoil of the film’s lead character, portrayed by Kristofferson himself. *A Star is Born* is a timeless story of fame, love, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of artistic passion, and “Watch Closely Now” serves as a crucial piece of this narrative.
Written by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher, “Watch Closely Now” is one of the standout songs on the soundtrack, showcasing Kristofferson’s raw vocal delivery and magnetic stage presence. The song’s lyrics reflect the struggles of the main character, a rock star battling with the pressures of fame and his own personal demons. The urgency and intensity of the song’s message are conveyed through its driving rhythm and powerful guitar riffs, making it a memorable and impactful piece of music.
In *A Star is Born*, the song is performed during a pivotal concert scene where Kristofferson’s character, John Norman Howard, is at the peak of his career. The performance is both captivating and haunting, as it foreshadows the character’s eventual decline. Kristofferson’s portrayal of the troubled rock star is deeply moving, and “Watch Closely Now” serves as a perfect expression of the character’s inner conflict.
The 1976 version of *A Star is Born*, co-starring Barbra Streisand, became a cultural phenomenon, and its soundtrack was a major success. “Watch Closely Now” played a significant role in the film’s acclaim, contributing to the emotional depth and complexity of the story. The song remains one of Kristofferson’s most memorable performances, encapsulating the spirit of rock and roll while also delving into the darker side of fame.
Over the years, “Watch Closely Now” has continued to resonate with audiences, both as a piece of the *A Star is Born* legacy and as a powerful standalone song. Its blend of rock energy and introspective lyrics offers a glimpse into the complexities of the human experience, making it a timeless classic in Kris Kristofferson’s illustrious career.
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Lyrics
Watch closely now
You’ll observe a curious exchange of energy
Are you a figment of my imagination
Or I one of yours?
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
Your eyes are like fingers
They’re touching my body and arousing my soul
Ridin’ the passion arising inside me
How high can I go?
You’re comin’ with me girl
I’m gonna show you how
When it’s scary, don’t look down
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
I see the hunger arise in your eyes and it’s a-urging me on
Higher and harder and faster and farther
Than I’ve ever gone
You’re comin’ closer lady
Don’t ya leave me now
We’re gonna make it
Don’t look down
Maybe I’m takin’ me too many chances
With no net at all
Maybe I’ll teach you at least that
You’ve got to be free when you fall
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
I’m the master magician, who’s setting you free
From the lies you’ve been told
When they’re breaking your back
Bring your last straw to me
I turn straw into gold
I’m gonna need you later
When you’re not around
But I can take it
Don’t look down
Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?