A tender and comforting lullaby of reassurance and enduring love, “You Can Close Your Eyes” found a particularly poignant home as the closing track of Linda Ronstadt’s seminal 1974 album, Heart Like a Wheel.
While the song was originally penned and released by James Taylor in 1971, Linda Ronstadt’s inclusion of “You Can Close Your Eyes” as the final, gentle note on her breakthrough album, Heart Like a Wheel, imbued it with a renewed sense of intimacy and became a deeply cherished rendition for her fans. Coming after a diverse collection of rock, country, and pop-tinged tracks, her stripped-down and heartfelt interpretation served as a soothing and reflective conclusion, leaving the listener with a feeling of warmth and solace. Her placement of the song as the album’s closer underscored its message of comfort and enduring presence, offering a tender farewell after the emotional journey of Heart Like a Wheel.
The story behind Linda Ronstadt’s decision to cover “You Can Close Your Eyes” and place it as the album’s finale speaks to her intuitive understanding of song sequencing and her ability to curate a cohesive emotional experience for the listener. Producer Peter Asher, who had also worked with James Taylor, likely played a role in bringing this beautiful song to Ronstadt’s repertoire. Her version, often featuring a simple acoustic arrangement and her clear, emotive vocals, felt like a personal and intimate offering, a quiet moment of connection after the more dynamic energy of the preceding tracks. It highlighted her versatility and her ability to convey profound emotion through understated delivery.
The meaning of “You Can Close Your Eyes” is a beautifully simple yet profoundly comforting message of love, reassurance, and unwavering support, and its placement as the closing track of Heart Like a Wheel amplified this sentiment. The lyrics offer a haven of peace and security, promising that even in the face of fear or uncertainty, the speaker will be there to offer solace and protection. The imagery of singing to chase away the darkness and the promise of enduring presence create a powerful sense of security and unconditional love. Ronstadt’s tender vocal delivery, especially as the album’s final moments, feels like a gentle whisper of reassurance, a comforting embrace that lingers after the music fades.
For those who cherish Heart Like a Wheel as a defining album of the 1970s, Linda Ronstadt’s rendition of “You Can Close Your Eyes” as its closing track holds a special significance. It provides a sense of peaceful resolution after the album’s diverse emotional landscape, leaving the listener with a feeling of warmth and quiet contentment. Her heartfelt delivery and the song’s simple beauty serve as a timeless reminder of the power of love and reassurance, a perfect and tender conclusion to an album that showcased her remarkable vocal talent and interpretive gifts. It’s a final, comforting note that resonates long after the last chord fades away.