Introduction:
Released in 1981 on the MCA Nashville label, “Between This Time And The Next Time” isn’t your typical country heartbreak song. Sure, there’s a yearning for a lost love and a lingering sadness, but Gene Watson, known for his smooth vocals and relatable lyrics, injects this song with a bittersweet longing that transcends the usual tropes.
Composed by the acclaimed songwriter Ray Griff, who penned hits for artists like George Jones and Conway Twitty, “Between This Time And The Next Time” appeared on Watson’s album “Between This Time And The Next Time”. Produced by Gene Watson himself alongside Russ Reeder, a seasoned country music producer with credits for artists like Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash, the song showcased Watson’s ability to navigate raw emotions with a touch of poetic vulnerability.
While not reaching the top of the Billboard charts, “Between This Time And The Next Time” resonated with fans of traditional country music. Watson’s signature baritone voice delivered the poignant lyrics with a believable vulnerability, capturing the heartache of a man grappling with the absence of a loved one. The song’s success solidified Watson’s place as a leading voice in the genre, known for his ability to blend classic country themes with a contemporary edge.
“Between This Time And The Next Time” delves deeper than the surface level of a broken relationship. The lyrics detail the protagonist’s struggle to fill the void left by his departed lover and the agonizing wait for a potential reconciliation. However, the song’s title and the line “It seems more like a million years. Instead of just one week” suggest a larger truth – the passage of time and the ever-present possibility of encountering new love.
“Between This Time And The Next Time” continues to resonate with country music fans today. Its portrayal of raw emotions and the lingering hope for reconnection offers a relatable experience for listeners navigating their own emotional journeys. The song’s blend of traditional country themes with a bittersweet sentiment ensures its place as a unique and compelling piece within Gene Watson’s extensive repertoire.
“Between This Time And The Next Time” isn’t just a catchy tune; it’s an invitation to reflect on the complexities of love and loss. As Gene Watson’s voice guides you through the melody, remember, the path to healing is rarely linear. The song’s hopeful undercurrent encourages listeners to acknowledge their feelings while acknowledging the possibility of future happiness. So, let this song remind you that even in the midst of heartache, hope and the potential for new love can still exist.
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Lyrics:
Let’s not waste a minute of each otherLet’s get to the tenderness at handSlip into something soft and thenCome slip into my arms, againStrip away your conscienceAnd take off your wedding band
Let’s take what this moment has to offerLet’s feel every need we feel insideReach out and turn the lights down lowAnd reach me every way you knowLet’s make sure before you leaveThat we’re both satisfied
It’s a long time between this timeAnd the next timeIt seems more like a million yearsInstead of just one weekIt’s a long time between this timeAnd the next timeSo lets make this the best timeTill the next time that we meet…