Close Every Door

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Children, Donny Osmond

About Close Every Door

"Close Every Door" is a song from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. It is the penultimate song of the first act of the musical, sung by Joseph while imprisoned for his supposed relationship with Potiphar's wife. Along with "Any Dream Will Do", it is one of the most popular songs from the musical. In addition to voicing Joseph's despair at being jailed for a crime he did not commit, the song appears to contain oblique references to the Holocaust of World War II. Lyrics such as "Just give me a number/Instead of my name ... Destroy me completely/Then throw me away" reflect the well-documented Nazi practices of tattooing numbers on imprisoned Jews and working them to death (or gassing them) in concentration camps, then burning the bodies or burying them in mass graves. The lyrics have even been incorporated into a Seder service for educators in New South Wales. Australian singer Jon English released a version a single in Australia in 1973.  


Year:
1993
3:47
1,070 
#1

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Close every door to me
Hide all the world from me
Bar all the windows
And shut out the light
Do what you want with me
Hate me and laugh at me
Darken my daytime
And torture my night
If my life were important I
Would ask will I live or die
But I know the answers lie
Far from this world

Close every door to me
Keep those I love from me
Children of Israel
Are never alone
For I know I shall find
My own peace of mind
For I have been promised
A land of my own

Close every door to me
Hide all the world from me
Bar all the windows
And shut out the light

Just give me a number
Instead of my name
Forget all about me
And let me decay
I do not matter
I'm only one person
Destroy me completely
Then throw me away

If my life were important I
Would ask will I live or die
But I know the answers lie
Far from this world

Close every door to me
Keep those I love from me
Children of Israel
Are never alone
For we know we shall find
Our own peace of mind
For we have been promised
A land of our own

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Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber Kt. (born 22 March 1948) is an English composer and impresario of musical theatre. more »

10 fans

Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Composition Fact
"Close Every Door" is a prime example of Andrew Lloyd Webber's prowess as a composer. The hymn-like song features a memorable and powerful melody that showcases Webber's talent for crafting emotional, theatrical music.
Lyricist Fact
The meaningful lyrics of "Close Every Door" were penned by Tim Rice, an English lyricist known for his collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber. The song's lyrics cover themes such as despair, hope and faith, echoing the tragedy of Joseph's story.
Performance Fact
"Close Every Door" is a powerful dramatic number sung by the character of Joseph in the musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", which was first performed on stage in 1968.
Patronage Fact
Julian Lloyd Webber, brother of Andrew Lloyd Webber, is one of the noted patrons of the song. He, however, did not actively participate in the creation of the song.
Popularity Fact
This song has become one of the most popular and well-known numbers from "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", and has been performed by numerous renowned artists such as Donny Osmond and Lloyd Daniels.
Song Interpretation Fact
The song is sung when Joseph, abandoned by his brothers, is imprisoned. He uses the song to express his overwhelming sense of loss, but also maintains a glimmer of hope that he will overcome his current circumstances.
Hopeful Message Fact
Despite its somber melody, "Close Every Door" carries a hopeful message. Joseph sings of anticipation for a brighter day, showing his unwavering faith and perseverance, reinforcing a theme often found in Webber and Rice's works.
Critical Acclaim Fact
The song has received critical acclaim for its powerful lyrics and emotional depth. Critics have noted how it exemplifies the musical's ability to explore heavy themes while maintaining an engaging and accessible narrative.
Contemporary Relevance Fact
The song's themes of despair and hope are as relevant today as they were when the song was first performed, and many people find personal meaning in the lyrics, making "Close Every Door" a enduring piece of musical theatre.
Iconic Status Fact
Given its enduring popularity, emotional weight, and significant role within "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Close Every Door" has solidified its status as an iconic song in the world of musical theatre.

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