Nelson Smock Riddle, Jr. (June 1, 1921 – October 6, 1985) was a well-known … Read Full Bio ↴Nelson Smock Riddle, Jr. (June 1, 1921 – October 6, 1985) was a well-known American bandleader, arranger and orchestrator whose career spanned from the late 1940s until the early 1980s. Riddle is perhaps best known for his 1950s work for Capitol Records, providing jazzy big-band style arrangements to accompany such vocalists as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee, Louis Prima and Keely Smith. Later, his arranging talents were also used by Ella Fitzgerald, Shirley Bassey, Matt Monro, Linda Ronstadt, and others. His arrangements are characterized by innovative orchestration with counter melodies and instrumentation that express the emotions of each verse of a song. Interestingly, whilst arranging the Sinatra albums he received the pay of a band sideman, which was enhanced by Capitol when Nat King Cole discovered the anomaly and insisted he receive fair remuneration.

Close To You
Nelson Riddle Lyrics

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Close to you - I will always stay
Close to you - though you're far away

You'll always be near - as though you were here
By my side
No matter where - in my dreams, I'll find you there

Close to me - sharing your caress

Can't you see - you're my happiness

Where ever you go - my heart will go too

What can I do
It only wants to be - close to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Close to You" by Nelson Riddle & His Orchestra speak of a deep and enduring love that withstands distance and time. The singer assures his/her loved one that he/she will always stay close even if they are physically far apart. The person will always remain near, as though he/she were right by the singer's side. The singer declares that he/she will always be able to find and feel the person's presence even in dreams.

The second verse of the song continues to express the depth of the singer's affection for his/her love interest. The person's caress is what brings the singer happiness, and he/she is unable to be content without their beloved. The singer asserts that his/her heart will always follow the person wherever they go, indicating a willingness to follow wherever the person leads. No matter what, the singer's heart can only be happy when it is close to its beloved.

Overall, the song "Close to You" is a testament to the power of love that can transcend physical distance and remain unwavering through time.

Line by Line Meaning

Close to you - I will always stay
I promise to be near you always, never to leave you alone.

Close to you - though you're far away
Even if we are physically distant, I will always be emotionally close to you.

You'll always be near - as though you were here
You will always occupy a special place in my heart, whether you are present or not.

By my side
I want you to be by my side through all my ups and downs.

No matter where - in my dreams, I'll find you there
Even if I can't reach you in reality, I will always cherish you in my dreams.

Close to me - sharing your caress
I long for your affectionate touch that brings me solace and comfort.

Can't you see - you're my happiness
You are the source of my joy and contentment, the reason behind my smile.

Where ever you go - my heart will go too
Irrespective of where you are, my heart will always be with you in spirit.

What can I do
I am powerless in controlling my heart's desire to be close to you.

It only wants to be - close to you
The only thing my heart desires is to be as close to you as possible.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WILLIE DIXON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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