The Other Side
Dougie MacLean Lyrics


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I can almost see the other side, my little lovely
On silent silver wings I dip and glide, my little lovely
America the eagle she has nurtured fear into my heart
Her cruel vice temptation tears the very seeds of life apart

I can almost feel your loving eyes, my little lovely
Warming up these cold these winter skies, my little lovely
I know there have been times when all my words are thrown back in my face
All these lover's crimes that leave me standing naked in disgrace

I can almost hear the tumbling burn, my little lovely
As down the Buckney Den she tips and turns, my little lovely




The sound of children's laughter voices ever asking why and how
Those hills of home are getting so much clearer to me now

Overall Meaning

In Dougie MacLean's song "The Other Side", the singer delves into a sense of transition and moving on while he thinks about the 'other side'. He paints a vivid picture of his vision for his future with metaphorical descriptions that intensify his emotions. In the first verse, he uses an eagle to symbolize America and the fear that it has instilled in him. The phrase 'silent silver wings I dip and glide' suggests that he is moving away from the eagle as he takes a step forward towards his future. He describes his loved one's eyes in the second verse, suggesting that the warmth they provide helps him overcome his anxieties. Although he acknowledges his mistakes, he sees his reflection on them as the result of the circumstances around him rather than intentional actions.


The song progresses into him visualizing his childhood memories in the valley of Buckney Den. The bubbling stream and the sound of children laughing symbolize simpler and happier times. The phrase 'Those hills of home are getting so much clearer to me now,' reveals that he is yearning for a sense of home and completeness that his current life lacks. The song ends on this note, with the singer finally reaching a sense of peace with his past and a newfound motivation to move towards his future.


Line by Line Meaning

I can almost see the other side, my little lovely
I have a feeling of almost being able to see the other side, my affectionate companion.


On silent silver wings I dip and glide, my little lovely
I move quietly and smoothly through the air as if flying on silver wings, my endearing companion.


America the eagle she has nurtured fear into my heart
The United States of America has instilled fear in me, like that of an eagle's nature.


Her cruel vice temptation tears the very seeds of life apart
The temptation of America's harsh influence can destruct a person's life completely.


I can almost feel your loving eyes, my little lovely
I sense and imagine the warmth of your affectionate eyes, my dear companion.


Warming up these cold these winter skies, my little lovely
Your love is like a warm light that brightens the cold, winter skies, my beloved companion.


I know there have been times when all my words are thrown back in my face
There have been instances when my words have been rejected and thrown back at me as a form of disapproval.


All these lover's crimes that leave me standing naked in disgrace
Mistakes made in the name of love can expose one's vulnerability, leading to feelings of shame and disgrace.


I can almost hear the tumbling burn, my little lovely
I can nearly hear the sound of running water in the stream, my endearing companion.


As down the Buckney Den she tips and turns, my little lovely
As the stream flows through Buckney Den, it twists and turns, my dear companion.


The sound of children's laughter voices ever asking why and how
The joyful sound of children's laughter intermixed with their curiosity, questioning and trying to understand the world.


Those hills of home are getting so much clearer to me now
The hills back home are becoming more visible to me with higher clarity.




Contributed by Emily R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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