Just to Be Close to You

Lionel Richie

About Just to Be Close to You

"Just to Be Close to You" is a song by American R&B/funk band, Commodores, in 1976. Released from their album, Hot on the Tracks, it would become one of their biggest hits, spending two weeks at the top of the Hot Soul Singles chart and becoming their second Billboard Hot 100 top ten, peaking at number seven. The song was written and sung by Lionel Richie.


Year:
1997
3:28
1,281 
#5

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Just to be close to you, girl
Just for a moment, well
Just for an hour
Just to be close to you, girl

Then, I was a lonely man
A man with no direction with no purpose
With no one to love and no one to love me, for, for me

Oh girl, then you, then you came into my life
You made my jagged edges smooth, you made my, you made my direction so clear
And you, oh woman you became my purpose
My reason for living, girl, you see

You're my heart, you're my soul, you're my strong inspiration, baby
That's why I'm standing here
Singing and opening my arms to you
I want to say, child, why don't you

Take my hand
Oh, we'll live and love forever, yea
Take my hand
Ooh, we'll be alone you and me
Take my hand
Girl, we'll live our lives together, yeah together
Ooh, together, yeah, together

Just to be close to you, girl
Just for the moment baby, well
Just for an hour
Just to be close to you, girl
I need you, baby

To make love, to be loved by you, baby
To have your warm body close to mine
To whisper words that make you feel like a woman
Girl, I know our love will stand the test of time

Just to be close to you, girl
For the moment baby (for the moment baby, for the moment baby)
For the sugar-sugar-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah
Ooh, yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah
Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah
Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah, just to be close to you, girl
Just for the moment, oh, just for the moment

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Lionel Richie

Lionel Brockman Richie, Jr. (born June 20, 1949) is an American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actor. From 1968, he was a member of the musical group Commodores signed to Motown Records. Richie made his solo debut in 1982 with the album Lionel Richie and number-one hit "Truly". more »

6 fans

Written by: Lionel Richie

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band Creation
The Commodores were formed in 1968 when the members were all students at the Tuskegee Institute. Lionel Richie was one of the founding members.
Initial Struggles
Before the success of "Just to Be Close to You", the band struggled to achieve mainstream success with their blending of soul, funk and R&B.
Song Release
"Just to Be Close to You" was released in September 1976 as part of the band's fifth studio album, "Hot on the Tracks".
Song Performance
This song quickly reached number one on the U.S. R&B chart and stayed there for two weeks. It also made it to number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.
Role of Lionel Richie
Lionel Richie was a significant force behind the song, participating in songwriting, as well as performing lead vocals.
Popular Reception
Many fans consider "Just to Be Close to You" to be a classic ballad that showcases Lionel Richie's vocal talents.
Shift in Musical Style
This song is often considered a turning point in the band's career, as it shifted their musical style more towards romantic ballads, which brought them even more success.
Influence
It helped to cement Lionel Richie's position as one of the premier balladeers of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Legacy
"Just to Be Close to You" remains a staple of classic R&B and soul stations.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including The Gap Band and R&B singer, Avant.
Live Performances
Even after Lionel Richie left the band to pursue a successful solo career in 1982, "Just to Be Close to You" remained as a fixture in the Commodores' live performances.

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    "Just to Be Close to You Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1723853/Lionel+Richie/Just+to+Be+Close+to+You>.

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