About the song
Kris Kristofferson – Watch Closely Now
Have you ever felt like you were watching a magic trick, but couldn’t quite figure out how the illusion was created? That’s the feeling that Kris Kristofferson’s haunting ballad, “Watch Closely Now,” evokes. Released as part of the 1976 film “A Star Is Born,” this song is a masterclass in storytelling through music.
At its core, “Watch Closely Now” is a meditation on deception and liberation. Kristofferson paints a vivid picture of a world filled with illusions and half-truths, where a mysterious “master magician” is pulling the strings. The lyrics invite the listener to question everything they’ve been told and to seek out a deeper understanding of reality.
The song’s intro, “Okay folks, the John Norman Howard Speedway. Watch closely now. You’ll observe a curious exchange of energy,” instantly transports us to a bygone era of vaudeville and carnival sideshows. This setting serves as a metaphor for the human experience, where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and temptations.
Musically, “Watch Closely Now” is a slow-burning, melancholic piece that perfectly complements the song’s themes. Kristofferson’s deep, resonant voice conveys a sense of weariness and world-weariness, while the backing instrumentation creates a haunting, atmospheric soundscape.
One of the most striking aspects of the song is its ambiguity. The lyrics are open to interpretation, allowing each listener to find their own meaning. Is the “master magician” a literal figure, or is he a metaphor for the forces that shape our lives? Are we simply pawns in a larger game, or do we have the power to break free from the chains of illusion?
“Watch Closely Now” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its themes of deception, liberation, and the search for meaning are as relevant now as they were when the song was first released. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Kris Kristofferson or simply appreciate great songwriting, this is a song that deserves a place in your music collection.
Video
Lyrics
Watch closely now
You’ll observe a curious exchange of energy
Are you a figment of my imagination
Or I one of yours?
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
Your eyes are like fingers
They’re touching my body and arousing my soul
Ridin’ the passion arising inside me
How high can I go?
You’re comin’ with me girl
I’m gonna show you how
When it’s scary, don’t look down
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
I see the hunger arise in your eyes and it’s a-urging me on
Higher and harder and faster and farther
Than I’ve ever gone
You’re comin’ closer lady
Don’t ya leave me now
We’re gonna make it
Don’t look down
Maybe I’m takin’ me too many chances
With no net at all
Maybe I’ll teach you at least that
You’ve got to be free when you fall
Watch closely now, are you watching me now?
I’m the master magician, who’s setting you free
From the lies you’ve been told
When they’re breaking your back
Bring your last straw to me
I turn straw into gold
I’m gonna need you later
When you’re not around
But I can take it
Don’t look down
Watch closely now
Are you watching me now?