Just Close Enough

Album: Chicamacomico (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • American Aquarium's ninth studio album, Chicamacomico, is largely about finding ways to heal from painful situations. In this heartfelt track, frontman BJ Barham sings from the perspective of a husband who wants to rekindle the romantic spark in his marriage, which died out after years of inadvertently neglecting the relationship.

    "It took love 30 years to let us know that the flower you don't water is the flower that won't grow," he sings.
  • Barham wrote the song with his friend Lori Mckenna, who co-wrote the Little Big Town smash "Girl Crush." He recalled how the tune came together:

    "I got the idea for the song from a text message I sent to a friend when he asked if I could stop by his town for lunch while on my way to another town for a gig. I told him I was 'just close enough to be too far away' and that I'd catch him the next time through. That line stuck with me, and we turned it into a heartbreaking tune about an aging couple that has drifted apart over 30+ years of kids, jobs and life. Life happens and time gets away from us."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

History Of Rock

History Of RockSong Writing

An interview with Dr. John Covach, music professor at the University of Rochester whose free online courses have become wildly popular.

Julian Lennon

Julian LennonSongwriter Interviews

Julian tells the stories behind his hits "Valotte" and "Too Late for Goodbyes," and fills us in on his many non-musical pursuits. Also: what MTV meant to his career.

Music Video Director David Hogan

Music Video Director David HoganSong Writing

David talks about videos he made for Prince, Alabama, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, DMB, Melissa Etheridge and Sisters of Mercy.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?