# Keith Whitley Recorded Randy Travis' Hit

> Keith Whitley recorded Randy Travis' hit 'On The Other Hand' before Travis released it as a single.
- Title: Keith Whitley Recorded Randy Travis' Hit · American Songwriter
- Summary: Keith Whitley recorded Randy Travis' hit 'On The Other Hand' before Travis released it as a single. Keith Whitley recorded 'On The Other Hand' for his 1985…
- Keywords: randy travis, keith whitley, on the other hand, l.a. to miami, storm of life, country music, music, culture, Keith, Whitley, Recorded, Randy
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/keith-whitley-also-recorded-what-became-one-of-randy-travis-biggest-hits
- Author: Gayle Thompson
- Published: 2026-10-10T16:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: randy travis, keith whitley, on the other hand, l.a. to miami, storm of life, country music, music, culture
## Randy Travis' Debut Single
Randy Travis released 'On The Other Hand' as his debut single in 1985 from Storms Of Life.
## Initial Radio Failure
The song did not chart initially but became a Top 10 hit after the follow-up single '1982'.
## Keith Whitley's Version
Keith Whitley recorded 'On The Other Hand' on his 1985 album L.A. To Miami but did not release it as a single.
## Song's Meaning
The chorus says 'But on the other hand, there’s a golden band / To remind me of someone who would not understand.'

> But on the other hand, there’s a golden band / To remind me of someone who would not understand / On one hand, I could stay and be your lovin’ man / But the reason I must go is on the other hand.
## Song's Origin
Paul Overstreet wrote the song to rebel against country music's lack of relationship fidelity.
## Key takeaway

Keith Whitley recorded 'On The Other Hand' for his 1985 album L.A. To Miami, which later became a top hit for Randy Travis.