The Making Of Lita Ford’S Duet “Close My Eyes Forever” With Ozzy Osbourne.

December 2, 2024

The collaboration between Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne on the haunting ballad “Close My Eyes Forever” remains a striking moment in rock history, intertwining the worlds of heavy metal and melodic power in a way that left indelible marks on both artists’ careers. Released in 1988 on Ford’s album “Lita,” this song represents not merely a duet but a confluence of artistic intentions and emotional rawness. The partnership is emblematic of an era in which the boundaries of hard rock were being pushed, and it serves as a poignant testament to the era’s complex interplay between vulnerability and grit.

At its core, “Close My Eyes Forever” is a continuation of the themes that both Ford and Osbourne had explored throughout their careers: love, loss, and the interplay between darkness and light. Ford, previously the guitarist for the Runaways, had long since established herself as a formidable force in a male-dominated genre. The song showcases her impressive vocal range, which seamlessly intertwines with Osbourne’s distinctive timbre. The harmonic convergence of their voices creates an emotional depth that transcends the typical boundaries of a rock ballad. In this sense, the song can be viewed as a dialoguetwo artists sharing their struggles and insecurities, relaying a narrative of yearning that resonates universally.

The genesis of the song is rooted in a deeply collaborative process, which is often obscured in the rush to celebrate its commercial success. Co-written by Ford, Osbourne, and songwriter and producer Mike Chapman, Close My Eyes Forever” reflects an intricate fusion of musical ideas. Chapman’s production plays a pivotal role, weaving layers of instrumentation that complement the raw emotionality of the lyrics. The subtle orchestrationthe lush string arrangements and the elegantly placed guitar solosenhances the somber undertones of the lyrics while allowing both vocalists to shine, creating a lush soundscape that is both atmospheric and intimate.

Moreover, the release of Close My Eyes Forever” came at a crucial juncture in the music industry. The late ’80s were marked by a significant transition in rock music, teetering between glam metal’s excesses and the emerging grunge movement that threatened to redefine the landscape. Ford’s choice to embrace a more vulnerable lyrical approach contrasted sharply with the prevailing bravado, positioning her as a forerunner of a more nuanced form of rock expression. Osbourne, already an icon by this time, brought with him the weight of his established legacy, yet he, too, stepped outside his comfort zone, revealing layers of vulnerability not typically associated with his public persona.

Critically, Close My Eyes Forever” also underscores the importance of gender dynamics in the rock genre. Ford’s ascendancy as a solo artist, buoyed by this duet, marked a momentary shift, a fleeting but significant acknowledgment of female prowess in a predominantly male space. The partnership serves to legitimize Ford’s artistic aspirations, allowing her to claim her place amongst rock royalty alongside Osbourne. Their duet does not merely present a stylistic collaboration; it represents a subtle but powerful challenge to the norms that often sidelined female artists in the industry.

In retrospect, “Close My Eyes Forever” endures not just as a hallmark of the late ‘80s rock balladry but as a rich tapestry of emotional and musical interplay that continues to resonate with listeners. The song encapsulates a moment when personal vulnerability fused seamlessly with the audacity of hard rock, creating an anthem that echoes with sincerity. It stands as a testament to the vision of both Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne, reflecting the complexities of their artistry and the cultural landscape of their time. As music continues to evolve, the haunting echoes of this duet remind us of the power of collaboration and the beauty of shared vulnerability in song.