About the song
“On the Other Hand,” penned by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz and famously sung by Randy Travis, is a quintessential piece in the tapestry of country music history. Released initially in July 1985, the song made a modest impact, peaking at number 67 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. However, its journey to becoming a classic was far from straightforward.
The genesis of “On the Other Hand” stemmed from a creative session where Overstreet and Schlitz were grappling with another song titled “Greedy Heart.” Amidst this struggle, Schlitz proposed the phrase “on the other hand,” which sparked Overstreet’s immediate response of adding “there’s a golden band.” This serendipitous exchange laid the foundation for a song that would resonate deeply within the country music community.
Initially intended for Dan Seals, the song found its rightful home with Randy Travis, newly signed to Warner Bros. Nashville. Producer Kyle Lehning, recognizing the song’s potential, facilitated its inclusion in Travis’s debut recording session for Warner. This session yielded a handful of tracks, including “On the Other Hand,” marking the beginning of Travis’s prolific collaboration with the label.
The song’s lyrical narrative unfolds with a poignant simplicity—a tale of temptation and fidelity. Set against a backdrop of easy country swing in F major, its melody gently underscores the internal conflict of a man torn between desire and commitment. The verses weave through a soul-searching chord progression, while the chorus punctuates with a refrain that echoes the song’s moral core.
Despite an initial lukewarm reception on the airwaves, Warner executives recognized the song’s latent strength. Bolstered by Travis’s rising popularity and buoyed by strong sales figures, they decided to reissue “On the Other Hand” in April 1986. This strategic move paid off handsomely when the song ascended to number one on the country charts, affirming its status as a breakthrough hit.
The success of “On the Other Hand” not only propelled Randy Travis to stardom but also set the stage for his debut album, *Storms of Life*, which further cemented his place in country music lore. Its enduring appeal lies not just in its musicality but in its timeless message of faithfulness and moral introspection—a hallmark of Randy Travis’s early career and the country music tradition at large.
In retrospect, “On the Other Hand” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in music—a narrative that resonates with listeners across generations, reminding us of the enduring allure of country music’s ability to capture the complexities of the human experience.
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 lover’s 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 passions 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