Back to the Otherside

Album: Sweet Southern Sugar (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Kid Rock explores the tragedy of suicide during this rap anthem. "It's about young people and all this stuff that's going on, these kids taking their own lives," he explained to Billboard. "I had a cousin who did it. That was so long ago, but just watching so many people around me with this suicide thing, whether it's in the music industry, whether it's soldiers coming back from these God-awful wars, whether it's kids struggling with the bullying thing."

    Rock added: "I think we've all felt like that at some point, where you just felt like, 'This s--t ain't worth it, I'm going to check out.' I just try to tell people, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa! Just hold on a minute. Just give it some time.' S--t gets better."
  • The song includes the line, "God is great and he always forgives." When asked where that line came from, Kid Rock smiled before replying, "It's probably all those years in catechism."
  • Kid Rock incorporates the chorus from New Zealand band Breaks Co-op's "The Otherside" into the song.

    "A lot of us will sit there late at night, drink whatever and search for songs and songwriters from all over the world because we have YouTube," he said. "I came across this band from New Zealand and I was listening to their songs and I was like, 'Oh my gosh! Their harmonies are as good as Crosby, Stills & Nash or anything I've ever heard!'"

    "It had this poignant chorus so rather than just sample it, I had my people call to see if we could get their session tapes," Rock added. "I actually took their vocals and then used a drum machine for a little bit, but for the most part it's a live Nashville band in there playing to my rap and then flying in this chorus from this other band in New Zealand."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Second Wind Songs

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.