Pre-Chorus
Welcome to the other side
I live my life like it's my only night
Who you gon' run to in your darkest times?
Done runnin' from it, I done made up my mind
I've made up my mind
Chorus
Keep climbing, keep climbing
Keep climbing, keep climbing
I seen the other side of the mountain
Keep climbing, keep climbing
Verse 1
Yeah, Momma called me on the tele'
I knew she been cryin', I moved to Atlanta
But listen I knew I was ready
There ain't nothin' that nobody can tell me
Foot on the pedal, my drive like a Chevy
Like an umbilical, stayin' connected
This for the Wick town, I'm spreadin' the message
Yeah, yeah, I ride with my dawgs, just like Dr. Doolittle
Just a youngin' everybody ain't fool with him
Cut from the team, they ain't know what to do with him
Playin' kickball, it's like they bootin' 'em
Had weight, it was over my chest
Real faith, I gotta invest
We in some dark times, it's a mess
Feelin' like Pippen keep the game pressed
I cannot change for nobody
I ain't here to entertain for the lobby
We doin' way more than just rappin' about it
They treatin' my brothers like they not somebody
Put on for the people who've been locked up in that cage, yeah
I can't ever switch up on the One that changed my ways, yeah
This time really ain't a phase, yeah
Where you gon' turn in the rain? Yeah
Real peace is all of my veins, yeah, enough about me
I know the people just want to be free
I know the One who carry the key
We cannot be who they tell us to be
Never let down, we back on out feet
Pre-Chorus
Welcome to the other side
I live my life like it's my only night
Who you gon' run to in your darkest times?
Done runnin' from it, I done made up my mind
I've made up my mind
Chorus
Keep climbing, keep climbing
Keep climbing, keep climbing
I seen the other side of the mountain
Keep climbing, keep climbing
Verse 2
Yeah, I heard 'bout Ahmaud, the weight on me
It's crazy to think in America freedom ain't promised
They sayin' just wait on it
It's easy to say as a white man that it's all okay
Imagine you inside a system that never give love, what you gon' say?
How can we be so blind? This world crossin' the line
This for my time to speak to the people that think it's okay to see black folk die
What if your son died and they told you, "Momma, don't cry"
Please do not fall for the lie, God, I see the other side
God, I want 'em all alive, God, I want 'em all alive
Pre-Chorus
Welcome to the other side
I live my life like it's my only night
Who you gon' run to in your darkest times
Done runnin' from it, I done made up my mind
I've made up my mind
Chorus
Keep climbing, keep climbing
Keep climbing, keep climbing
I seen the other side of the mountain
Keep climbing, keep climbing
Otherside
Otherside Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Hulvey's song "Otherside," released alongside its video on September 18, 2020, is a powerful anthem of resilience, faith, and social consciousness. From the outset, the track establishes a tone of decisiveness and a commitment to living authentically and purposefully. The recurring pre-chorus poses a fundamental question about where one turns during difficult moments, while simultaneously declaring an end to running from challenges and a firm resolve to face them head-on. This sets the stage for the journey described throughout the song, emphasizing a shift in perspective or reaching a new understanding signified by "the other side."
The chorus serves as the song's central motivational core, urging listeners to "Keep climbing." This metaphor of ascending a mountain represents the continuous effort required to overcome obstacles, whether personal struggles or broader societal issues. Seeing "the other side of the mountain" implies having gained insight, hope, or having reached a new vantage point after perseverance. It's a message of enduring through trials with the expectation of breakthrough or a clearer vision.
In the first verse, Hulvey delves into his personal journey, reflecting on his move to Atlanta and the mixed emotions it stirred, particularly for his mother. He asserts his readiness and conviction, fueled by a strong internal drive. The lyrics touch upon past experiences of feeling excluded or misunderstood ("Cut from the team, they ain't know what to do with him"), highlighting the weight of those moments but contrasting them with the grounding power of "Real faith." The verse then expands to address wider issues, speaking up for marginalized communities ("brothers like they not somebody," "locked up in that cage") and expressing a commitment to his beliefs and the One who changed his life. This section underscores the interconnectedness of personal transformation and a calling to advocate for others, emphasizing that his purpose goes beyond mere performance or entertainment.
The second verse takes a sharp turn, directly confronting urgent social injustices. Hulvey explicitly references the case of Ahmaud Arbery, bringing a specific and heavy reality to the forefront. He critically examines the notion of freedom in America, particularly for Black individuals, challenging the idea that it is guaranteed for all. The lyrics contrast the perspective of someone unaffected by systemic oppression ("easy to say as a white man") with the lived experience of those within a system that denies love and equality. This verse is a bold call to awareness and action, directly speaking to those who might be blind to or complicit in racial injustice. The heartfelt plea to God ("God, I want 'em all alive") reveals a deep desire for peace and the preservation of life, demonstrating the weight these issues carry and the artist's perspective grounded in faith even when confronting such darkness.
Together, the verses, pre-chorus, and chorus weave a narrative that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant. Hulvey shares his vulnerability and convictions, addressing past hurt, present purpose, and pressing societal concerns. The message is clear: facing challenges, whether internal or external, requires unwavering faith and continuous effort. The "other side" represents not just a destination but a state of being transformed by faith, enabling one to speak truth to power, advocate for the oppressed, and maintain hope amidst darkness. The song is an encouragement to keep pushing forward, knowing that a different perspective, informed by faith and compassion, is attainable through perseverance and reliance on a higher power.
