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Introduction
Randy Travis’s “On The Other Hand” is a landmark song in country music that helped to establish Travis as a major artist in the genre. Released initially in 1985, and then re-released in 1986, the song’s second release led to it becoming a number-one hit on the country charts. Written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, “On The Other Hand” is celebrated for its traditional country sound and mature lyrical content, which marked a departure from the more pop-oriented country music of the time.
The song’s narrative explores the internal conflict of a man torn between temptation and fidelity, which resonated with listeners and helped to establish Randy Travis as a voice of authenticity and emotional depth in country music. “On The Other Hand” played a crucial role in the neotraditional country movement of the mid-1980s, which sought to return to the genre’s roots.
About The Composition
- Title: On The Other Hand
- Composer: Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz
- Premiere Date: 1985 (initial release), 1986 (re-release)
- Album/Opus/Collection: Storms of Life
- Genre: Country
Background
“On The Other Hand” was first released in July 1985 as the debut single from Randy Travis’s album “Storms of Life.” However, it did not achieve significant success initially. Its re-release in April 1986, following the success of “1982,” resulted in the song reaching the number one position on the country charts. This song marked a turning point for both Randy Travis and the country music industry, as it signaled the rise of the neotraditional movement, which emphasized a return to traditional country sounds and themes.
The song’s re-release was prompted by the recognition of Travis’s growing popularity and the strong reception of his subsequent singles. “On The Other Hand” became emblematic of Travis’s style, characterized by its straightforward narrative and emotional sincerity.
Musical Style
“On The Other Hand” is distinguished by its traditional country instrumentation, featuring acoustic guitar, steel guitar, and subtle percussion. The song’s arrangement complements its reflective and emotive lyrics, allowing Travis’s rich baritone voice to take center stage. Its melody is simple yet effective, underscoring the song’s themes of personal introspection and moral dilemma.
Lyrics/Libretto
The lyrics of “On The Other Hand” explore themes of temptation, commitment, and moral conflict. The song’s narrative follows a man who is tempted to pursue another woman but ultimately decides to remain faithful to his wife. The lyrics poignantly capture the internal struggle and the eventual triumph of love and loyalty over fleeting desire.
Performance History
“On The Other Hand” has been performed by Randy Travis in numerous live settings, contributing to its recognition as one of his signature songs. Notably, the song’s success on the charts led to Travis’s appearance on prominent country music television programs and award shows, where his performances were widely acclaimed for their sincerity and vocal prowess.
Cultural Impact
The impact of “On The Other Hand” extends beyond its chart success. It played a significant role in the neotraditional country movement and influenced a generation of country artists seeking to reconnect with the genre’s roots. The song has been covered by various artists and remains a staple in country music playlists, often cited as an example of strong narrative songwriting.
Legacy
Today, “On The Other Hand” is regarded as a classic of country music, exemplifying the enduring appeal of traditional storytelling in the genre. Its influence is evident in the works of contemporary country artists who continue to draw inspiration from its authentic approach to songwriting and performance. The song’s success solidified Randy Travis’s status as a country music icon.
Conclusion
“On The Other Hand” remains an essential piece of country music history, celebrated for its lyrical depth and traditional sound. Its impact on the genre continues to be felt, and listeners are encouraged to explore Randy Travis’s broader body of work to fully appreciate his contributions to country music.
Video
Lyrics
On one hand I count the reasons I could stay with you
And hold you close to me all night long
So many lovers’ games I’d love to play with you
On that hand there’s no reason why it’s wrong
But on the other hand, there’s a golden band
To remind me of someone who would not understand
On one hand I could stay and be your lovin’ man
But the reason I must go is on the other hand
In your arms I feel the passion, I thought, had died
When I looked into your eyes, I found myself
And when I first kissed your lips, I felt so alive
I’ve got to hand it to you, girl, you’re somethin’ else
But on the other hand, there’s a golden band
To remind me of someone who would not understand
On one hand I could stay and be your lovin’ man
But the reason I must go is on the other hand
Yeah the reason I must go is on the other hand