Philip Bailey - The Other Side Lyrics
Lyrics
Is it true we're never happy
It seems we're never satisfied
Is it true once we've reached our wildest dreams
Something changes us inside
We say the grass is always greener
The sky's forever blue
We all know there's something better
There for us to do
We feel we get over
We believe we have it made
All problems will be solved
If we can only find a way
To the other side
Once they say they love you
It's so easy to go astray
You could have all the money in the world
You're still gonna have to face a lonely day
We say the grass is always greener
The sky's forever blue
We all know there's something better
There for us to do
We feel we get over
We believe we have it made
All problems will be solved
If we can only find a way
To the other side
(To the other side)
(To the other side)
All that glitter in the night
Can be so cold
We've got to hold on to Jesus
Don't let go
We say the grass is always greener
The sky's forever blue
We all know there's something better
There for us to do
We feel we get over
We believe we have it made
All problems will be solved
If we can only find a way
The grass is always greener
The sky's forever blue
We all know there's something better
There for us to do
We feel we get over
We believe we have it made
All problems will be solved
If we can only find a way
To the other side
To the other side
To the other side
To the other side
The grass is always greener
The sky's forever blue
We all know there's something better
There for us to do
We feel we get over
We believe we have it made
All problems will be solved
If we can only find a way
To the other side
To the other side, whoo!
To the other side
To the other side
The grass is always greener
The sky's forever blue
We all know there's something better
There for us to do
We feel we get over
We believe we have it made
All problems will be solved
If we can only find a way
To the other side
To the other side
Ooh, to the other side, alright!
To the other side
Video
The Other Side
Meaning & Inspiration
"The Other Side," released on January 1, 1991, as part of Philip Bailey's inspiring album "The Best of Philip Bailey - A Gospel Collection," delves into a profound and universally relatable human experience: the restless pursuit of contentment. From its opening queries, "Is it true we're never happy? It seems we're never satisfied," the song immediately confronts a core tension within the human spirit. It articulates the pervasive feeling that genuine peace, joy, and fulfillment always exist just beyond our current grasp, in an elusive state we often label "the other side." This quest for a seemingly perfect existence, where "all problems will be solved," resonates deeply, speaking to the innate longing for something more meaningful than what the temporal world can offer.
The song masterfully deconstructs this perpetual chase, illustrating how common worldly solutions ultimately fall short. It acknowledges the widespread belief that "the grass is always greener" somewhere else, and that a different set of circumstances—more money, different relationships, or greater success—will finally bring lasting satisfaction. Philip Bailey's vocal delivery, imbued with a contemplative sincerity, underscores the emptiness of such pursuits, declaring, "You could have all the money in the world, you're still gonna have to face a lonely day." This stark reality echoes the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes, where King Solomon famously concludes that all earthly endeavors outside of God's will are "meaningless, utterly meaningless." The song wisely recognizes that "All that glitter in the night can be so cold," exposing the superficiality of material wealth and fleeting pleasures that promise much but deliver little in terms of true solace or lasting joy. It highlights how quickly even declared love can lead one astray if not grounded in something more enduring, portraying the fragility of human connections when disconnected from divine truth.
The pivotal moment in "The Other Side" arrives with a clear, unwavering declaration that shifts the entire narrative: "We've got to hold on to Jesus, don't let go." This single line transforms the song from a commentary on human dissatisfaction into a powerful gospel message, revealing the true nature of "the other side." It is not a geographical location, a changed external circumstance, or an accumulation of worldly success; rather, it is a spiritual state found exclusively in Christ. The seemingly endless quest for solutions finally finds its answer in the steadfast embrace of faith. This resonates profoundly with the biblical promise in John 6:35, where Jesus proclaims, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst." The song thus points to Jesus as the ultimate source of fulfillment, the "other side" where the yearning heart finds true rest and satisfaction, as invited in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
Philip Bailey's song is a profound reminder that the contentment we seek is not found in external conditions but in an internal connection to the divine. It encourages a shift in perspective, moving from a relentless chase after temporary fixes to a steadfast reliance on Jesus. "Holding on to Jesus" implies an active, intentional commitment, acknowledging Him as the anchor in a world of shifting desires and uncertainties. This constant faith allows believers to experience the peace and joy of "the other side" right where they are, transforming their present reality rather than constantly striving for an unreachable future. As Paul discovered in Philippians 4:11-13, true contentment is learned through Christ, empowering one to be satisfied in every circumstance. "The Other Side" therefore stands as an inspiring anthem, guiding us away from the illusion of greener pastures and towards the living water that truly satisfies the soul, urging us to make Jesus our constant companion on life's journey.