Closer
Aerosmith
The Paradox of Love and Distance in Aerosmith's 'Closer'
Aerosmith's song 'Closer' delves into the complexities and paradoxes of romantic relationships. The lyrics explore the cyclical nature of love, where feelings of closeness and distance often coexist. The opening lines, 'How many times can you turn away / You fall in love and then love falls away,' set the stage for a narrative that grapples with the transient and sometimes fleeting nature of love. The song suggests that love can be both a source of immense joy and profound pain, as indicated by the lines, 'You hit the heavens when you hit the heights' and 'You know how it kills me.'
The chorus, 'Every time you say / Love is gone away / I get closer,' captures the paradoxical essence of the song. It implies that moments of separation or conflict can actually bring partners closer together. This idea is further emphasized with the line, 'It’s a give and take / Every time we break / I get closer,' suggesting that the struggles and breaks in a relationship can lead to deeper understanding and intimacy. The song portrays love as a dynamic and evolving force, where even the act of breaking up can be a step towards greater closeness.
The lyrics also touch on the enduring nature of love, despite its challenges. The line, 'I love you, baby, ‘till death do us part,' signifies a commitment that transcends temporary setbacks. The song questions the reasons behind conflicts in relationships, pondering, 'I don’t know why we fight / What’s wrong with always being right.' This introspective look at love's trials and tribulations is a hallmark of Aerosmith's lyrical style, blending raw emotion with poetic reflection. Ultimately, 'Closer' is a testament to the resilience of love, highlighting how even in moments of distance, there is an opportunity for deeper connection.