In Their Own Voice: Don Schlitz, “When You Say Nothing At All”

1. Most of us wouldn’t be able to explain why we love the person we do. There are so many reasons, and yet something intangible that pervades the core of true love. We can communicate without speaking, with a touch, Pun intended, there is almost no need to say anything as to why this song is so well respected. I appreciate songs that approach emotional territory in a plainspoken way. I think it is harder to do this without coming across cheesy — the reason why many writers hide their feelings behind lots of metaphor.

2. Don Schlitz and Paul Overstreet wrote this at the end of a day that seemed relatively unproductive, and didn’t think much of it, according to Overstreet. Keith Whitley, having watched Randy Travis take “On The Other Hand” up the charts, was determined to cut it, and gave it a vocal performance that made it one of his signature songs (along with “Don’t Close Your Eyes”, a Bob McDill song). Later, Alison Krauss turned into her own coming out party, with her glassy alto giving it an entirely different take. Though people may argue about which version tops the other, no one argues that this song is one for the ages.

See more posts:

Hall of Fame: Bob McDill, “Song of the South”

Ronnie Dunn — “I Wish I Still Smoked Cigarettes”

Jason Isbell – “Elephant”

Patty Griffin – “Go Wherever You Wanna Go”

Brandy Clark – “Pray To Jesus”