About the song
“Come A Little Bit Closer” by Jay & The Americans is a quintessential rock and roll anthem from the mid-1960s that continues to captivate audiences with its infectious energy and romantic allure. Released in 1964 as a single, the song quickly became a hit, showcasing the group’s dynamic vocal harmonies and solidifying their place in music history.
Written by songwriters Wes Farrell, Bobby Hart, and Tommy Boyce, “Come A Little Bit Closer” embodies the excitement and anticipation of young love. The lyrics tell a story of longing and desire, urging the listener to come closer for an intimate moment. With its catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, the song exudes the youthful exuberance of the era’s pop rock scene.
The track was prominently featured on Jay & The Americans’ album of the same name, “Come A Little Bit Closer,” which was released in 1964. The album showcased the group’s versatility, blending rock and roll with ballads, and further solidified their popularity during the height of the British Invasion.
“Come A Little Bit Closer” soared to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, marking it as one of Jay & The Americans’ most successful singles. Its chart success was mirrored in other countries, where it also achieved significant popularity and acclaim.
Led by lead vocalist Jay Black, Jay & The Americans distinguished themselves with their polished performances and distinctive sound. The group’s ability to deliver heartfelt lyrics with soulful harmonies resonated with audiences, making “Come A Little Bit Closer” a timeless classic that continues to evoke nostalgia for listeners of all ages.
The song’s enduring popularity is evidenced by its frequent appearance on oldies radio stations and its inclusion in various compilations of 1960s hits. Its catchy chorus and memorable hooks ensure its place in the pantheon of classic rock and roll songs that define an era.
For fans of 1960s music and those who appreciate the nostalgia of early rock and roll, “Come A Little Bit Closer” remains a beloved favorite, showcasing Jay & The Americans’ musical prowess and leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of American pop music.
Video
Lyrics
In a little café
Just the other side of the border
She was a-sitting there a-givin’ me
Looks that made my mouth water
So I started walking her way
She belonged to bad man, José
And I knew, yes I knew I should leave
When I heard her say, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
So we started to dance
In my arms, she felt so inviting
And I just couldn’t resist
Just one little kiss, so exciting
Then I heard the guitar player say
“Vamoos, José’s on his way!”
And I knew, yes I knew I should run
But then I heard her say, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
Then the music stopped
When I looked the café was empty
Then I heard José say
“Man, you know you’re in trouble plenty”
So I dropped my drink from my hand
And through the window, I ran
And as I rode away
I could hear her say to José, yeah
Come a little bit closer
You’re my kind of man
So big and so strong
Come a little bit closer
I’m all alone
And the night is so long
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)
Woah woah (Come a little bit closer)
I can still hear her say (Come a little bit closer)
La-la-la-la la-la-la-la (Come a little bit closer)