About the song
In the realm of soul music, few voices resonate with the raw emotion and vulnerability of Dusty Springfield. Her distinctive vocals, imbued with a blend of power and tenderness, have captivated audiences for decades. Among her many iconic hits, “I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten” stands as a testament to her artistry, weaving a tapestry of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Released in 1968, “I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten” emerged as a beacon of soulful expression during a tumultuous era of social and cultural upheaval. The song’s melancholic melody, penned by Clive Westlake, serves as a backdrop for Springfield’s heartfelt lyrics, which chronicle the depths of heartbreak and the resilience of the human spirit.
The song’s narrative centers on a woman grappling with the aftermath of a shattered relationship. The opening lines, “Baby, I can’t believe it, but you’re still here,” paint a vivid picture of disbelief and lingering affection. As the verses unfold, the protagonist confronts the pain of loss, her emotions laid bare through Springfield’s poignant delivery.
The titular phrase, “I close my eyes and count to ten,” serves as a coping mechanism, a moment of respite from the overwhelming tide of emotions. With each passing second, the singer seeks refuge in introspection, attempting to process the fragments of her broken heart.
Despite the heartache, there’s an undercurrent of strength and determination coursing through the lyrics. The protagonist refuses to be consumed by despair, instead choosing to embrace the journey of healing and self-discovery. The song’s bridge offers a glimmer of hope, hinting at the possibility of moving forward and finding love anew.
“I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten” resonated deeply with listeners upon its release, topping charts worldwide and cementing Springfield’s status as a soul music icon. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes of love, loss, and the indomitable human spirit.
Beyond its musical impact, “I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten” holds significant social and cultural significance. Released in the late 1960s, an era marked by seismic shifts in gender roles and societal expectations, the song offered a poignant and relatable portrayal of female heartbreak, challenging traditional narratives of vulnerability and emotional expression.
Springfield’s powerful vocals and emotive delivery further amplified the song’s message, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the complexities of human emotion, offering solace and understanding to those navigating the challenges of love and loss.
In conclusion, “I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten” stands as a masterpiece of soul music, a testament to Dusty Springfield’s artistry and the transformative power of music. Its poignant lyrics, melancholic melody, and heartfelt vocals have resonated with generations of listeners, offering solace, understanding, and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. The song’s enduring popularity and cultural significance solidify its place among the greatest soul ballads ever written.
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Lyric
It isn’t the way that you lookAnd it isn’t the way that you talkIt isn’t the things that you say or doMake me want you soIt is nothing to do with the wineOr the music that’s flooding my mindBut never before have I been so sureYou’re the someone I dreamed I would findIt’s the way you make me feelThe moment I am close to youIt’s a feeling so unrealSomehow I can’t believe it’s trueThe pounding I feel in my heartThe hoping that we’ll never partI can’t believe this is really happening to meI close my eyes and count to tenAnd when I open them you’re still hereI close my eyes and count againI can’t believe it but you’re still hereWe were strangers a moment agoWith a few dreams but nothing to showThe world was a place with a frown on its faceAnd tomorrow was just, I don’t knowBut the way you make me feelThe moment I am close to youMakes today seem so unrealSomehow I can’t believe it’s trueTomorrow, will you still be here?Tomorrow will come but I fearThat what is happening to me is only a dreamI close my eyes and count to tenAnd when I open them you’re still hereI close my eyes and count againI can’t believe it but you’re still hereI close my eyes and count to tenAnd when I open them, you’re still here