(They Long to Be) Close to You is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. It was first recorded by Richard Chamberlain in 1963, but it became a much bigger hit when it was released by The Carpenters in 1970. The song’s gentle melody and Karen Carpenter’s soft, expressive vocals have made it a classic of easy listening music.

The song is about the longing for intimacy and connection. The lyrics speak to the universal human desire to be close to someone, to feel loved and understood. The song’s message of love and longing has resonated with listeners for generations, and it remains one of the most popular and beloved songs of all time.

The Carpenters’ version of “(They Long to Be) Close to You” was a critical and commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. The song has been covered by many artists, including Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, and Elvis Presley.

Karen Carpenter’s vocals are one of the most distinctive and memorable aspects of the song. Her voice is soft and gentle, but it also has a strength and expressiveness that conveys the deep emotion of the lyrics. Carpenter’s singing is perfectly complemented by the song’s gentle melody and lush orchestration.

“(They Long to Be) Close to You” is a beautiful and timeless song that speaks to the universal human desire for love and connection. The Carpenters’ version of the song is a classic of easy listening music, and Karen Carpenter’s vocals are one of the most distinctive and memorable aspects of the song. If you’re looking for a song that will make you feel warm and loved, “(They Long to Be) Close to You” is the perfect choice.

Here are some additional details about the song:

• The song was originally written for the 1963 film “Wives and Lovers.”
• The Carpenters’ version of the song was produced by Jack Daugherty.
• The song was released as the lead single from The Carpenters’ second album, “Close to You.”
• The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States on February 21, 1970.
• The song won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals in 1971.
• The song has been covered by many artists, including Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, and Elvis Presley.

Here are some interesting facts about the song:

• The song was originally written for a man to sing, but it was changed to a woman’s perspective when Karen Carpenter recorded it.
• The song’s melody is based on the French folk song “La Mer.”
• The song was used in the 2003 film “Lost in Translation.”

“(They Long to Be) Close to You” is a beautiful and timeless song that has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. It is a song about love, longing, and connection, and it continues to resonate with listeners today.

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