“On the Other Hand” is a country music song written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz. It was first released as a single by a relatively unknown artist, Keith Whitley in July 1985, peaking at number 67 in the United States. It was Keith’s first single with Warner Bros. Nashville and was only a minor hit. “On the Other Hand” was then recorded by Randy Travis on his October 1985 album, Storms of Life, but not released as a single. After the chart successes of Travis’ next single, “1982”, the label reissued “On the Other Hand” in April 1986, and it became his first number one hit in both the United States and Canada. “On the Other Hand” and “1982” were both included on Travis’ 1986 debut album, Storms of Life.

From the album Storms of Life
B-side “Can’t Stop Now” (1985)
Released July 29, 1985 (original release)
April 21, 1986 (reissue)
Recorded January 1985
Genre Country
Length 3:05
Label Warner Bros. Nashville
Songwriter(s) Paul Overstreet, Don Schlitz
Producer(s) Kyle Lehning, Keith Stegall

Randy Travis – On The Other Hand lyrics

On one hand I count the reasons I could stay with you
And hold you close to me all night long
So many lovers’ 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 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 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