“On The Other Hand” is one of those songs that cuts straight to the heart. Written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, and made famous by Randy Travis, it’s a ballad that dives deep into the internal conflict of love and commitment. It’s not just a song about temptation, but about the powerful choice of staying true to love when you could easily take a different path.
What makes “On The Other Hand” so special is its ability to portray the complexity of emotions so many of us feel. The song tells the story of a man facing temptation, but when he looks down at his wedding ring, he’s reminded of the deep love and commitment he has to his wife. It’s a simple moment but one filled with gravity—it’s a reminder that love isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth choosing.
When you listen to this song, it feels like you’re sitting across from a friend who’s quietly confessing a difficult moment. Travis delivers the lyrics with such raw honesty, that you can’t help but reflect on your own choices. His voice carries the weight of someone who understands that while life offers many distractions, it’s the commitments we make that truly define us.
And while the song had a slow start when first released, it later became a signature hit for Randy Travis, helping to usher in the era of New Traditionalist country music in the 1980s. It’s no wonder “On The Other Hand” remains a timeless piece—its message is universal, speaking to the struggle between fleeting desires and enduring love.
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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 of someone who would not understand
On one hand I could stay and be your loving 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 something else
But on the other hand, there’s a golden band
To remind of someone who would not understand
On one hand I could stay and be your loving man
But the reason I must go is on the other hand
Yeah, the reason I must go is on the other hand