The Other Side

Album: A New Day At Midnight (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • David Gray likes a bit of ambiguity in his lyrics. This track is about a broken relationship, with Gray telling the other person, "meet me on the other side." It could be an optimistic plea anticipating they will emerge on the other side of the pain and heartache. But it could also be more dire. "The power of the lyrics suggests, 'Meet me on the other side of death,'" Gray told MTV. "It's a bit of a call into the void. That's where the song gains its power."
  • This was the lead single from A New Day At Midnight, Gray's follow-up to his coruscating fourth album, White Ladder. He was working on it even as White Ladder was still top of mind in America, where it was released well over a year after it made its UK debut. "The Other Side" is more somber than much of his previous work, which reflects Gray's mindset: his father had died, and he was exhausted from touring.
  • The music video was shot in London in a warehouse with hundreds of fans. At first, Gray appears by himself against a black backdrop, but when the lights come on and the camera pulls out, we see he is surrounded by people. By the end of the shoot, the extras were singing along to the song, as they got to know it quite well.

Comments: 1

  • Brian Lyle from ScotlandSince my spiritual journey begun, I feel Dave is pointing to the other side of the veil :) love his passion...n dave...I get it....:)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root

Michael Glabicki of Rusted RootSongwriter Interviews

Michael tells the story of "Send Me On My Way," and explains why some of the words in the song don't have a literal meaning.

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular Music

Lace the Music: How LSD Changed Popular MusicSong Writing

Starting in Virginia City, Nevada and rippling out to the Haight-Ashbury, LSD reshaped popular music.

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Yoko Ono

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.