Breaking Benjamin's "Close to Heaven": A powerful and emotional song

"Close to Heaven" is a powerful and emotional song by American rock band Breaking Benjamin. Released in 2015 as a part of their fifth studio album "Dark Before Dawn," the song quickly became a fan favorite and garnered critical acclaim for its haunting melody, powerful lyrics, and passionate delivery.

The song starts with a haunting guitar riff, setting the tone for the somber and introspective lyrics that follow. Lead vocalist Benjamin Burnley's voice is filled with emotion as he sings about feeling lost and disconnected from the world around him. The opening lines, "Pain, come alive, I try to breathe, shade my eyes, Follow the damned, I have lost the way again," set the tone for the rest of the song, with lead vocalist Benjamin Burnley singing about the overwhelming pain and confusion that he feels. These lyrics suggest a feeling of being lost and adrift, with Burnley struggling to cope with the pain and darkness that surround him.

As the song progresses, Burnley's vocals become more intense, building to a powerful crescendo as he sings about the desire to find meaning and purpose in life. The chorus of the song is particularly impactful, with Burnley singing, "So I'll stay unforgiven, And I'll keep love together, And I'll be yours forever, I'll sleep close to heaven." These lyrics speak to the human experience of feeling lost and alone, and the hope that we can find our way back to a place of meaning and fulfillment.

Pain, come alive
I try to breathe, shade my eyes
Follow the damned
I have lost the way again

Stay, trust in life
Carried beneath, dead arise
Sorrow avenged
I will face the weak within

The song's bridge, which features the repeated lyrics "I'm coming home, Release me, my love," adds to the emotional intensity of the song, and further underscores the sense of longing and desire that runs throughout the lyrics. The closing lines of the song, "I'll sleep close to heaven, I'll sleep close to heaven," bring the song to a powerful conclusion, with Burnley's vocals fading out on a haunting and emotional note.

The lyrics of "Close to Heaven" are open to interpretation, but many listeners have connected with the song's themes of loneliness, isolation, and the desire to find meaning and purpose in life. The song speaks to the human experience of feeling lost or disconnected, and the hope that we can find our way back to a place of meaning and fulfillment.

Musically, "Close to Heaven" showcases Breaking Benjamin's talent for crafting powerful and emotionally resonant rock ballads. The band's signature sound is on full display here, with heavy guitar riffs, pounding drums, and soaring vocals that build to a powerful climax.

In conclusion, "Close to Heaven" is a standout track on Breaking Benjamin's "Dark Before Dawn" album, and a powerful example of the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant rock songs. With its haunting melody, powerful lyrics, and passionate delivery, the song speaks to the universal human experience of feeling lost or disconnected, and the hope that we can find our way back to a place of meaning and fulfillment. It is a must-listen for fans of the band and anyone who appreciates powerful, emotionally charged music.