Keith Whitley

Jackie Keith Whitley (July 1, 1954 – May 9, 1989), known professionally as Keith Whitley, was an American country music singer. During his career, Whitley only recorded two albums but charted 12 singles on the Billboard country charts, and 7 more after his death.

Whitley in June 1988

Song lyrics

Don't Close Your Eyes (1988)

• I know you loved him, a long time ago.
  Even now in my arms, you still want him I know.
  But darling this time, let your memories die.
  When you hold me tonight, don't close your eyes.

  Don't close your eyes, let it be me.
  Don't pretend it's him, in some fantasy.
  Darling just once, let yesterday go,
  And you'll find more love than you'll ever know.
  Just hold me tight, when you love me tonight.
  And don't close your eyes.

  • "Don't Close Your Eyes", written by Bob McDill

• I'm no stranger to the rain.
  I'm a friend of thunder,
  Friend, is it any wonder lightning strikes me?
  I've fought with the devil,
  Got down on his level,
  But I never gave in, so he gave up on me.
  • "I'm No Stranger to the Rain", written by Sonny Curtis and Ron Hellard

• I'm no stranger to the rain.
  But there'll always be tomorrow,
  And I'll beg, steal, or borrow a little sunshine.
  And I'll put this cloud behind me,
  That's how the man designed me
  To ride the wind and dance in a hurricane.
  I'm no stranger to the rain.
  • "I'm No Stranger to the Rain"

• It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
  Without saying a word you can light up the dark
  Try as I may I could never explain
  What I hear when you don't say a thing
  • "When You Say Nothing at All", written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz

• The smile on your face lets me know that you need me
  There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
  A touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall
  Yeah, you say it best
  When you say nothing at all
  • "When You Say Nothing at All"