Gene Watson – Between This Time And The Next Time

Introduction:

Released in 1981, “Between This Time And The Next Time” is a country song that etched its place in the hearts of country music fans. The songwriter behind the melancholic tune is Ray Griff, a renowned country music composer who penned numerous hits for artists like George Strait, Tanya Tucker, and Kenny Rogers. Gene Watson, a seasoned country vocalist with a rich baritone, delivered the vocals for the song. Watson himself served as a co-producer on the album alongside Russ Reeder. The album, also titled “Between This Time And The Next Time”, marked Watson’s ninth studio album under MCA Records.

The song’s lyrics explore the bittersweet emotions of impermanence and the preciousness of fleeting moments. The narrator muses on the time in-between encounters with a loved one, emphasizing how a short separation can feel like an eternity. The emotional weight of the song is accentuated by Watson’s smooth and soulful vocals, which perfectly capture the yearning and vulnerability within the lyrics.

“Between This Time And The Next Time” became a defining hit for Gene Watson. It climbed the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, ultimately reaching the coveted position of number one. The song’s success not only solidified Watson’s place as a prominent artist in the country music industry but also broadened his fanbase. The song continues to resonate with listeners today, remaining a staple in Watson’s setlist and a cherished classic of the country music genre.

While commercially successful songs often receive the most attention, “Between This Time And The Next Time” also garnered critical acclaim. Critics praised the song’s relatable theme and Watson’s poignant delivery. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to capture a universal human experience – the bittersweet pang of impermanence and the importance of cherishing each moment.

Video:

Lyrics:

Let’s not waste a minute of each other
Let’s get to the tenderness at hand
Slip into something soft and then
Come slip into my arms, again
Strip away your conscience
And take off your wedding band

Let’s take what this moment has to offer
Let’s feel every need we feel inside
Reach out and turn the lights down low
And reach me every way you know
Let’s make sure before you leave
That we’re both satisfied

It’s a long time between this time
And the next time
It seems more like a million years
Instead of just one week
It’s a long time between this time
And the next time
So lets make this the best time
Till the next time that we meet…