Country Music

Classic Country Music Hits

Country Music

“On the other hand” – Randy Travis. (Live)

“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”

Introduction

Randy Travis’ song “On the Other Hand” offers a rich narrative in the history of country music, marking a significant point in Travis’ career and in the genre itself. This song, known for its profound impact on the “new traditionalist” movement, provides an excellent example of country music’s ability to delve into the complex terrain of personal ethics and marital fidelity.

About The Composition

  • Title: On the Other Hand
  • Composer: Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz
  • Premiere Date: Originally released in July 1985
  • Album/Opus/Collection: Featured on Randy Travis’s album “Storms of Life”
  • Genre: Country

Background

“On the Other Hand” was crafted during a songwriting session between Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. The song emerged from a list of ideas Schlitz proposed, sparking inspiration for its memorable line about a wedding band, which symbolizes marital commitment. Initially, it did not achieve significant success, peaking at number 67 on the Billboard charts. However, its re-release in 1986 following the success of “1982” propelled it to number one, establishing Randy Travis as a country music star and helping to sell over three million copies of the album “Storms of Life”​ (Wikipedia)​​ (American Songwriter)​.

Musical Style

The song is characterized by its “easy country swing” tempo and is played in the key of F major. The structure involves a traditional verse-chorus pattern, which supports the storytelling nature of country music. The lyrics narrate a moment of personal conflict over infidelity, resolved by the protagonist’s reflection on his marital commitment, symbolized by his wedding ring​ (Wikipedia)​.

Lyrics/Libretto

The song’s lyrics focus on the emotional turmoil of a man who is on the brink of cheating but decides against it after considering his wedding ring. This narrative captures themes of love, fidelity, and moral choice, resonating with both male and female audiences and contributing to its broad appeal​ (American Songwriter)​.

Performance History

“After its re-release, “On the Other Hand” achieved number one on the country charts, marking a significant milestone in Travis’ career. It has been performed in numerous concerts and events, becoming a staple in his musical repertoire and a favorite among fans​ (Wikipedia)​.

Cultural Impact

“On the Other Hand” played a critical role in the revival of traditional country music in the 1980s. It was part of a broader movement that sought to return to the roots of country music, steering away from the pop-influenced sounds that had become prevalent. The song’s success helped to pave the way for other artists within the new traditionalist movement and influenced the direction of country music during that era​ (American Songwriter)​.

Legacy

The song’s enduring appeal is evidenced by its frequent radio play and continued relevance in discussions about classic country music. It has been covered by other artists and remains a significant work in the study of country music’s history and its thematic explorations of personal integrity and relational fidelity​ (Wikipedia)​.

Conclusion

“On the Other Hand” is more than just a song; it’s a narrative that captures the essence of country music’s storytelling tradition. It invites listeners to reflect on their own values and the decisions they make. For those interested in exploring this classic track further, listening to Randy Travis’ performance on the “Storms of Life” album or attending a live rendition offers a deeply engaging 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

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A WORKPLACE ACCIDENT LEFT STONEY EDWARDS TOO SICK TO GO BACK TO THE STEEL REFINERY. THEN HE SANG AT A BENEFIT FOR BOB WILLS — AND A LAWYER IN THE CROWD CHANGED THE REST OF HIS LIFE. Before Stoney Edwards made a record, he had spent most of his life working whatever job would keep a family fed. He was born Frenchy Edwards in Seminole, Oklahoma, during the Depression. He never went to school. After moving to California, he worked as a janitor, truck driver, cowboy, machinist, and forklift operator. At night, he played guitar and sang country songs in bars around the Bay Area, carrying the sound of Bob Wills, Lefty Frizzell, and the Grand Ole Opry with him. Then, in 1968, he got trapped inside a sealed tank at the steel refinery where he worked. The air inside filled with carbon dioxide. By the time Stoney was pulled out, the poisoning had left him seriously ill. He could not return to the heavy work that had paid the bills. The refinery job was gone. So was the certainty that he could keep supporting his wife and children the way he had before. For two years, he tried to recover. Then word came that Bob Wills was sick. Stoney had grown up on Western swing. Bob Wills was one of the men whose records had taught him what country music could sound like. So in 1970, Stoney helped put together a benefit for Wills in Oakland, California. It was not a Nashville audition. It was a local night for a sick hero. But Ray Sweeney was in the room. Sweeney was a lawyer with connections to Capitol Records. He heard Stoney sing and saw something the country business rarely gave room to: a Black singer carrying an old honky-tonk voice that sounded closer to Lefty Frizzell and Merle Haggard than anything fashionable on radio. Within months, Capitol signed him. His first single was “A Two Dollar Toy.” The song came from a moment after the accident, when Stoney had considered leaving home because he could no longer provide for his family. On the way out, he stepped on one of his daughter’s toys and woke her up. He stopped. That small plastic toy became a song. Then came “She’s My Rock,” a Top 20 country hit. “Mississippi You’re on My Mind” followed. For a few years in the 1970s, Stoney Edwards became one of the most visible Black country singers in America after Charley Pride. But the first door did not open in Nashville. It opened in Oakland, at a benefit for Bob Wills, with a recovering refinery worker standing in front of a crowd and singing the music he had carried through every job he had ever worked.

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