Album-closer “Close to You” is a haunting piano ballad reminiscent of Rihanna’s 2012 stand-out track “Stay.” Lyrically, the song deals with the singer’s struggle to move on from a past love.
Frequent Rihanna-collaborator and co-writer for “Close to You,” James Fauntleroy talked about the making of...
[Verse 1]
Nothing but a tear, that's all for breakfast
Watching you pretend you're unaffected
You're pulling our connections, expecting me to let you go
But I won't
[Pre-Chorus]
I know you don't need my protection
But I'm in love, can't blame me for checking
I love in your direction, hoping that the message goes
[Chorus]
Somewhere close to you
Close to you
Like so close if they hurt you, you wouldn't find out
Just say now, I'm coming right now to be close to you
[Verse 2]
Said you let it go, you kept it
Working hard to perfect it
But now your fear is reckless, and it's out of your control
Well just let it go
[Pre-Chorus]
I know you don't need my protection
But I'm in love, can't blame me for checking
I love in your direction, hoping that the message goes
[Chorus]
Somewhere close to you
Close to you
Like so close, if they hurt you, you wouldn't find out
If you let me, I'd be there by now
Close to you
[Click here to learn more about the making of "Close to You"]
Close to You was written by Brian Kennedy & James Fauntleroy & Rihanna.
Close to You was produced by Kuk Harrell & Brian Kennedy.
Rihanna released Close to You on Thu Jan 28 2016.
On November 4, 2021, “Close to You” was certified gold by the RIAA.