Ruth was born in David City, Nebraska. Her mother died when she was 5, and her father left her with her grandparents, George and Hannah Etting, who owned a roller mill. Her father remarried and moved away, seldom visiting his daughter. When she was 17 she moved to Chicago to attend art school, and got a job designing costumes at a night club. One night the tenor got sick and since she was the only one who could sing low enough, she took his place, and landed a job in the chorus. By 1918 she was one of the club's featured vocalists. It was there she met Moe "The Gimp" Snyder, a wanna-be gangster who took over management of Ruth's career and married her in 1922.
After her New York sucess, she moved to Los Angeles and had roles in a number of films including Roman Scandals with Eddie Cantor. There are conflicting stories about the scandal that virtually ended her career. The marriage between Ms. Etting and The Gimp was virtually loveless from the beginning, and he was a demanding and controlling manager who would not let other men near his wife. They were divorced in 1937. While in Los Angeles she began spending time with Myrl Alderman, a pianist who had played with her earlier in her career. In 1938, The Gimp forced his way into Ruth's house, and shot Alderman, wounding him. The subsequent trial put a halt to her career, although she did make some appearances in 1947. Ruth and Myrl married and retired to Colorado Springs, where she died in 1978. The academy award nominated movie version of her life story, Love me or Leave Me, with Jimmy Cagney and Doris Day, was apparently highly fictionalized.
Close Your Eyes
Ruth Etting Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rest your head on my shoulder and sleep
Close your eyes
And I will close mine
Close your eyes
Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep
Close your eyes
Under a midnight sky
Watching a single star
Thrilled by the beauty up above
Alone, just you and I
Hearing a steel guitar
Thrilled by the beauty of our love
Close your eyes
Rest your head on my shoulder and sleep
Close your eyes
And I will close mine
Close your eyes
Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep
Close your eyes
Oh, this is divine
Music plays
Something dreamy for dancing while we're here romancing
It's love's holiday
And love will be our guide
Close your eyes
When you open them, dear, I'll be here
By your side
So won't you close your eyes?
The song "Close Your Eyes" by Ruth Etting is a sweet and romantic song that speaks of a couple's love and their deep desire to be close to each other. The song starts by asking the listener to close their eyes and rest their head on the singer's shoulder as they both close their eyes. The singer then takes the listener on a lovely journey under the midnight sky, watching a single star and being alone with their loved one. The steel guitar in the background adds an even more romantic feel to the song, making it perfect for a slow dance.
As the music plays, the couple is swept away in their love holiday, guided solely by their love for each other. The song signifies pure love, allowing the listener to feel the depth and intensity of the couple's feelings. The final verse reminds the listener that they will always be there for each other: "When you open them, dear, I'll be here. By your side. So won't you close your eyes?" The lyrics are romantic, and they represent the very essence of true love.
In conclusion, "Close Your Eyes" is a timeless classic that has effortlessly stood the test of time. The song's enchanting melody and lyrics beautifully portray the unwavering love and devotion between two people in love. It is a charming song that allows the listener to escape reality and enter into a world of pure romance with their loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
Close your eyes
Let go of all worries and distractions, my love
Rest your head on my shoulder and sleep
Find peace and comfort in my embrace and let yourself drift off
Close your eyes
Shut out the world so we can be present in this moment
And I will close mine
I will join you in this embrace and offer my own restful energy
Close your eyes
Let's fully immerse ourselves in this dreamlike state we've created
Let's pretend that we're both counting sheep
Perhaps we can find childlike simplicity and peace in our shared imagination
Oh, this is divine
This moment is pure bliss
Under a midnight sky
We are surrounded by the vastness and wonder of the universe
Watching a single star
We are captivated by the beauty and mystery of the celestial world
Thrilled by the beauty up above
Our hearts are lifted and inspired by the grandeur of creation
Alone, just you and I
We are the sole witnesses to this moment, sharing it intimately
Hearing a steel guitar
We are serenaded by the sweet and soulful music of love
Thrilled by the beauty of our love
Our connection fills us with joy and wonder, as if looking upon a natural wonder
Music plays
The soundtrack to our romance continues to soothe and inspire us
Something dreamy for dancing while we're here romancing
We can lose ourselves in the magic of the moment, awash in sweet fantasy
It's love's holiday
For this moment, we celebrate each other and our bond
And love will be our guide
As long as we are together, we will be alright
When you open them, dear, I'll be here
When the dream ends, I will still be here, ready to support you
By your side
Always and forever, our hearts are entwined
So won't you close your eyes?
Let us relish in this perfect moment together and cherish it forever
Writer(s): Bernice Petkere
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
William Rubinstein
An outstanding song from the golden age, 1920-1960.
tesilimi
Some of my friends or colleagues will think I'm dinosaurically nuts for listening to this. I have a subtle nostalgic connection to a period I cannot directly relate to. My dad used to listen to these songs. I guess that's one of the things we had in common.
Miss Vicki
I love this music. There is a local am radio station here in Olympia, Washington that plays all of this beautiful music. I am in my 60’s and I love this music. Ruth has a beautiful voice❤️🎵❤️
Zoraida García
tesilimi-Just don't let them change your musical good taste, for you will find real treasures, like many discover constantly. Enjoy!
F M
Reincarnation is your answer baby
The1920sDandy
Beautiful things will always appeal to people, even with time passing by :)
Arnold VAN BEEST
Very nicely said ! Don't we all have those subtle connections with times gone by ?
Allan Thomas
This song is so beautiful
blonde7000
I only came across her at random and i have now heard 4 songs by her and i cannot believe how wonderful this singer is.
This is rare to find anywhere, yet i have never heard of her before.
Her voice is wonderful, her music is the same
ipsurvivor
Beautiful song... I don't know if it's been mentioned but this was one of John Lennon's favorite songs growing up... Although Rock n' Roll was developing this was the kind of music The Beatles grew up with prior to Elvis and I think it very much enriched their music. Enchanting song with beautiful and very tangible lyrics...