Unraveling the Musical Marvel: The Untold Tale of Randy Travis‘s “On the Other Hand”
Delve into the captivating story behind the country classic, “On the Other Hand,” as we uncover the serendipitous collaboration between songwriters Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet. A writing session that almost never happened led to the creation of a song that would shape the future of country music.
Picture this: Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet had planned a writing session, but fate had other ideas. Overstreet fell ill and contemplated canceling, but Schlitz encouraged him to rest while he continued to work on a song they had previously started, named “Greedy Heart.” However, they hit a snag with a particular line.
Amidst the brainstorming, Schlitz unexpectedly blurted out, “On the other hand…,” and Overstreet completed the line with “there’s a golden band.” In a flash of inspiration, “On the Other Hand” was born—a song that would become a significant milestone in the history of country music.
Originally envisioned for legendary artists like Merle Haggard, George Jones, or Dan Seals, the song took an unforeseen turn. It found its way to promoter Pat Higdon, who passed it along to producer Kyle Lehning. Lehning admired the song but saw a different path for it—with a newcomer called Randy Travis. Schlitz and Overstreet were left intrigued, wondering, “Randy who? What’s going on? Who the heck is Randy Travis?”
At the time, Randy Travis, known by his birth name Randy Bruce Traywick, was working as a cook and dishwasher while pursuing his singing passion at the Nashville Palace. His talent caught the attention of Lib Hatcher, the club’s manager, who took a keen interest in his career. With the help of Keith Stegall, an artist affiliated with producer Lehning, Travis recorded a live album at the Palace. Warner Bros. A&R chief Martha Sharp was impressed with his act and secured a recording contract for him. However, the contract came with a strict clause—his romantic involvement with Hatcher was to remain a secret.
Despite an initial modest chart performance, “On the Other Hand” didn’t give up. Its re-release proved to be the turning point for Travis, skyrocketing to the top of the charts on July 26, 1986. The song became a part of Randy’s first Warner Bros. album, “Storms of Life,” a colossal success, selling over four million copies and solidifying his place in country music history.
Randy Travis’s emergence marked the beginning of a new era in country music—the “neotraditional” movement. Alongside other talented artists like George Strait, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, and more, Travis’s distinct sound brought a refreshing counterbalance to the prevailing pop-oriented trends that had dominated the genre for years.
As the years passed, the “neotraditional” sound eventually evolved, and newer artists emerged with a touch of traditional country—branded as “Outlaw Country.” Yet, the question remains: will “traditional country” make a triumphant return? Only time will reveal the future of country music and its rich tapestry of styles.
Album: Storms of Life
Artist: Randy Travis
Released: 1986
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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