Dusty Springfield – “I Close My Eyes and Count to Ten”

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 look
And it isn’t the way that you talk
It isn’t the things that you say or do
Make me want you so

It is nothing to do with the wine
Or the music that’s flooding my mind
But never before have I been so sure
You’re the someone I dreamed I would find

It’s the way you make me feel
The moment I am close to you
It’s a feeling so unreal
Somehow I can’t believe it’s true
The pounding I feel in my heart
The hoping that we’ll never part
I can’t believe this is really happening to me

I close my eyes and count to ten
And when I open them you’re still here
I close my eyes and count again
I can’t believe it but you’re still here

We were strangers a moment ago
With a few dreams but nothing to show
The world was a place with a frown on its face
And tomorrow was just, I don’t know

But the way you make me feel
The moment I am close to you
Makes today seem so unreal
Somehow I can’t believe it’s true
Tomorrow, will you still be here?
Tomorrow will come but I fear
That what is happening to me is only a dream

I close my eyes and count to ten
And when I open them you’re still here
I close my eyes and count again
I can’t believe it but you’re still here
I close my eyes and count to ten
And when I open them, you’re still here