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YOU'RE  THE  NEAREST
THING TO HEAVEN

Time signature:  4/4
Jim Atkins, Hoyt Johnson
and Johnny Cash
Accordion Notation
Although I may get around to doing the accordion notation at a later date,

I am presently including this as a tune to learn "by ear", using the embedded 

​youTube videos below.  The lyrics are given at the bottom of the page. 

Embedded youTube VIDEOS

Key:  D 
​
Singer:  Johnny Cash

​Posted by:  Comicw3z

Key:  Eb 

Group:  the Ramblers

​Posted by:  lloydbrunton

Key:  Eb

Singer:  Hoyt Johnson

Posted by:  J. R. Shatzeline

Key: Eb

Singer:  Mike Evans

Posted by:  Mike Evans



Key:   Eb 
​
Singers: Maritsa All Stars

Posted by: Sissi Klaus


Key:   Eb 

Singer:  Eric Posman

​Posted by:  Eric Posman

​

Key:  C 

Singer:  ?

Posted by: mwb123

Key:  A
​

Singer:  ? Karl-Heinz ?

Posted by: khtietgen

A beautiful rendition~

Key:  G
​
Group:  ?

​Posted by:  Mark Komar

PCM - Dyngus Day Rotterdam, NY 2015

With a lively polka rhythm.
Interesting.


Background Materials, Information & Links

​Lyrics:

I have sailed the peaceful waters of the ocean deep and blue
I held my breath and watched the western sunsets golden hue
I've flown above the mountain peaks and valleys wide and green
But you're the nearest thing to heaven that I've seen

Chorus:  You're the nearest thing to heaven, yes, you are
               I have searched for happiness so long and far
               But my search for love was through, the day that I found you
               'Cause you're the nearest thing to heaven, yes, you are


I confess that I've been tempted by a luring magic charms
When a smile was flashed my way and stood before two open arms
But I turned and walked away because I love you like I do
You're the nearest thing to heaven, darlin' you

I have watched the silver raindrops fall to earth to cool the day
Watched the rainbow at twilight when the clouds had blown away
I love the pretty flowers but they cannot buy the worth
'Cause you're the nearest thing to heaven on this earth

Background Links:
These lyrics are a partial rewrite, by Johnny Cash, of the song It's a

little more like Heaven (Where you are)
  by Hoyt Johnson and Jim

Atkins. That song was popularized by Hank Locklin and reached #3

on the country and western charts in 1958.  The version by Johnny

​Cash made it to #5 on these charts.