Introduction:
Ah, yes, Toby Keith’s “The Other Side Of Him”. Released in 2013 as part of his album Drinks After Work, this song is a prime example of Keith’s ability to capture the bittersweet pangs of heartbreak with a country twang. Now, Toby Keith is a legend in the genre, isn’t he? A true son of Oklahoma, his music has always resonated with a certain blue-collar authenticity. Whether it’s belting out anthems about working-class life or weaving tales of small-town struggles, Keith has a knack for connecting with folks who’ve seen their share of life’s hardships.
Drinks After Work itself was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. It showcased a slightly more introspective side of Keith, with songs like “Little Miss Tear Stain” and “Before We Knew They Were Good” exploring themes of loss, reflection, and the passage of time. But “The Other Side Of Him” stands out for its potent blend of heartache and a touch of melancholy defiance.
While Keith often collaborates with other songwriters, “The Other Side Of Him” was co-written with Bobby Pinson, another established name in country music. Pinson himself is known for his poignant lyrics and ability to craft relatable stories within his songs. This collaboration proved fruitful, resulting in a track that tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who’s ever grappled with the aftermath of a love lost.
“The Other Side Of Him” isn’t a heart-wrenching ballad, mind you. It’s a mid-tempo country song with a steady beat, driven by a classic acoustic guitar and a subtle layer of steel guitar that adds a touch of country twang. But it’s the lyrics that truly pack a punch. The story unfolds from the perspective of a narrator who encounters their former lover, but this time, they’re with someone new. The details are subtle – a dress the narrator doesn’t recognize, a change in hairstyle – but they paint a vivid picture of a love that’s moved on, leaving the narrator feeling like a ghost of a past relationship.
It’s important to note that Toby Keith isn’t known for shying away from emotional vulnerability in his music. Tracks like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “He Drinks Tequila” delve into themes of regret and lost love. But “The Other Side Of Him” feels particularly poignant, perhaps because it captures a specific moment of witnessing a past love seemingly happy with someone new. It’s a bittersweet realization, a reminder that life goes on, even when our hearts haven’t quite caught up.
So, when you hit play on “The Other Side Of Him”, prepare for a song that’s both relatable and emotionally resonant. It’s a testament to Toby Keith’s songwriting prowess and his ability to capture the complexities of love and loss with a simple yet powerful country melody.
Video:
Lyrics:
“The Other Side Of Him”
Something new done to her hair, was a girl I used to hold.
As close as we once were, further than I’ve ever been.
She’s a million miles away standing on the other side of him.Nothing but a ghost of the love we used to know.
They say that’s the way it goes when it don’t go easy.
Guess I brought it on myself. She loves someone else.
And I can’t help but wonder if she sees meStanding on the other side of him, broken as I can be.
Wishing it was him standing on the other side of me.
I don’t have to wonder where she is, who she’s with, or how she’s been.
I see all I need to see standing on the other side of him.Nothing but a ghost of the love we used to know.
They say that’s the way it goes when it don’t go easy.
Guess I brought it on myself. She loves someone else.
And I can’t help but wonder if she sees me.Standing on the other side of him. Further than I’ve ever been.
She’s a million miles away, standing on the other side of him.
Oh, oh.