The Story and Significance of “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” a Touching Easy Listening Classic by The Carpenters

The song had been passed from artist to artist for years until The Carpenters finally took it on. Their rendition, powered by Richard’s clever arrangement and Karen’s unmatched vocals, unlocked the song’s hidden brilliance.

That song, “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” became the duo’s breakthrough hit, soaring to No. 1 in 1970. Here’s the story of how this timeless ballad found its way to its rightful home.

A Song’s Humble Beginnings

You know how actors today often dabble in singing? Well, that trend was alive and well in the ’60s too. Take Richard Chamberlain, for example. Best known for his role in The Thorn Birds, he was the first to take a shot at recording “(They Long to Be) Close to You.”

In the early ’60s, Chamberlain was a teen heartthrob thanks to his role on the TV series Dr. Kildare. Riding that wave of popularity, he ventured into music and found considerable success, landing four U.S. Top-20 singles between 1962 and 1963. While his 1963 song “Blue Guitar” didn’t reach the same heights, its B-side featured none other than “(They Long to Be) Close to You.”

From Songwriters to Stardom

The song was penned by the legendary songwriting duo Burt Bacharach and Hal David, a testament to Richard Chamberlain’s influence at the time. Four years later, Dusty Springfield recorded her own version, but despite these earlier efforts, the song remained relatively obscure until The Carpenters stumbled upon it.

Crafting a Hit

Burt Bacharach originally pitched “(They Long to Be) Close to You” to Herb Alpert, fresh off his 1968 success with “This Guy’s in Love With You.” However, Alpert wasn’t satisfied with his rendition and passed the track to The Carpenters, who were signed to his label, A&M Records.

Bacharach gave Richard Carpenter free rein with the arrangement, with just one request: preserve the delicate piano riff at the end of the bridge. Richard responded with a lush, sophisticated arrangement, infusing the song with a subtle rhythmic swing that earlier versions lacked. The addition of legendary session drummer Hal Blaine further elevated the track, sealing its status as a classic.

The Finishing Touches

The Carpenters’ rendition of “(They Long to Be) Close to You” was further enhanced with a trumpet solo by Chuck Findley, layered with their signature harmonies. However, the real magic lay in Karen Carpenter’s voice. Her unique ability to sound both deadpan and deeply vulnerable gave the song a bittersweet edge, adding a touch of melancholy that perfectly complemented the sweetness of Hal David’s lyrics.

The Song’s Meaning

Hal David’s lyrics elevate a simple sentiment into poetic expression. How do you tell someone they’re truly one of a kind? The narrator illustrates this by invoking nature’s wonders—birds and stars—pausing in awe to draw closer to the person they adore. It’s a tender, imaginative way of expressing admiration and love, wrapped in the song’s gentle melody.

A Heavenly Creation with a Twist

In the bridge, the narrator paints a picture of divine craftsmanship: On the day that you were born, the angels got together / And decided to create a dream come true. But the final verse reveals an ironic twist—this perfection has its downsides for the narrator. The subject of her affection is so extraordinary that they attract relentless attention: That is why all the girls in town / Follow you all around.

Karen’s Transformative Performance

What sets The Carpenters’ version apart is Karen Carpenter’s delivery. Her interpretation shifts the song’s tone from wonder-filled admiration to quiet heartbreak. Beneath the celestial imagery of moon dust and starlight lies a deeply human story of unrequited love. Karen’s voice conveys the longing and vulnerability that make the song feel achingly relatable, transforming it into a timeless classic.