The Meaning Behind The Song: Don’t Close Your Eyes by Kix
One of the greatest things about music is that it can tell stories in ways that are entirely unique to the medium. Don’t Close Your Eyes by Kix is one such song. On the surface, it appears to be a simple ballad about lost love. However, a deeper examination reveals a much more poignant message that speaks to the human condition.
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At its heart, Don’t Close Your Eyes is a song about addiction. It tells the story of a man who is struggling with his demons – likely drugs or alcohol – and the impact that his addiction has on his relationship. The refrain, “Don’t close your eyes, let it be me, don’t pretend it’s him,” is a plea from the addict to his former partner, begging her not to replace him with someone else. It’s a hauntingly beautiful message that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with addiction or loved someone who has.
The Lyrics
Here are the lyrics to Don’t Close Your Eyes in full:
Whatcha’ doing out there in the night time?
Why’d ya’ call me on the phone?
Your mama can’t solve your problems
When’s daddy ever gonna get home?
So you did your little move and cried
In the middle of a suicide
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t sing your last lullaby
Hold me tight
Don’t let the candle die
Nowhere to run to, nowhere to hide
You cry yourself to sleep at night
Whatcha’ gonna do when you wake up?
And he’s gone and you’re all alone
All alone
Well daddy’s little girl took a train to the city
But uptown, he loved to score
She said, “Give me love, give me love, give me, ah, one more chance
I’m gonna sing it tonight.”
Don’t close your eyes
Don’t sing your last lullaby
Hold me tight
Don’t let the candle die
The Story Behind The Song
The real-life story behind Don’t Close Your Eyes is both tragic and inspiring. The song’s writer, Don Barnes, was struggling with his own addiction at the time he wrote it. His bandmate, Steve Whiteman, had also had his own struggles with substance abuse. The two men had seen firsthand the devastating impact that addiction can have, both on the addict and those around them.
It was this deep understanding that inspired Barnes to write the song. He wanted to capture the desperate need that addicts feel to keep their loved ones close, even as they spiral further into their addiction. The lyrics are a powerful reflection of the sentiment that many addicts feel: they may struggle with their demons, but they do not want to lose the people they love in the process.
FAQs
1. Was Don Barnes addicted to drugs or alcohol when he wrote Don’t Close Your Eyes?
Yes, Don Barnes was struggling with his own addiction at the time he wrote the song. His bandmate, Steve Whiteman, had also had his own struggles with substance abuse.
2. Was Don’t Close Your Eyes successful?
Yes, the song was a massive hit for Kix, and remains one of their most popular songs to this day.
3. When was Don’t Close Your Eyes released?
Don’t Close Your Eyes was released in 1988.
4. What inspired Don Barnes to write Don’t Close Your Eyes?
Barnes was inspired to write the song by his own struggles with addiction, as well as those of his bandmate, Steve Whiteman.
5. What is the meaning behind the lyrics of Don’t Close Your Eyes?
At its heart, Don’t Close Your Eyes is a song about addiction and the impact it has on relationships.
6. What genre of music is Don’t Close Your Eyes?
Don’t Close Your Eyes is a power ballad, a sub-genre of rock music.
7. Who else has covered Don’t Close Your Eyes?
The song has been covered by a number of artists, including country singer Keith Whitley.
8. What other songs are popular by Kix?
Kix is known for their hits Cold Blood, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Blow My Fuse, and others.
9. Was Don Barnes able to overcome his addiction?
Yes, Don Barnes was eventually able to overcome his addiction.
10. What was the impact of Don’t Close Your Eyes on Kix’s career?
The song was a massive hit for Kix, and helped solidify their place in the rock scene.
11. What do the lyrics “Don’t let the candle die” mean in Don’t Close Your Eyes?
The lyrics are a plea from the addict to his former partner, begging her not to give up on him.
12. How does Don’t Close Your Eyes speak to the human condition?
The song explores the universal theme of addiction, and the impact that it can have on relationships. It’s a powerful message that resonates with many people, regardless of their circumstances.
