Kris Kristofferson, a towering figure in country music, is renowned for his poignant songwriting and soulful delivery. With an impressive career spanning several decades, he has produced many timeless hits that have resonated with audiences across generations.
One such notable work is the track “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” released in the early 1980s as part of his album, Kris. This song encapsulates Kristofferson’s ability to weave intricate emotional narratives, making it a significant gem in his discography.
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The Lyrical Depth of the Song
In “Out of Mind, Out of Sight,” Kristofferson delves into themes of love, loss, and the often-painful reality of relationships. The title itself evokes a common phrase that suggests a disconnect or temporary forgetting. Yet, the song’s lyrics deepen this concept, inviting listeners into a reflective space where memories linger long after a goodbye.
The dichotomy between physical absence and emotional presence is a recurring motif throughout the song, allowing Kristofferson to explore the complexities of human connection.
Kristofferson’s songwriting prowess shines through in his tender yet honest portrayal of love. The lyrics frequently switch between reminiscence and longing, capturing the essence of someone grappling with the remnants of a relationship.
The character in the song yearns for closeness, grappling with the realization that the emotional weight of love can’t simply evaporate with distance. The vivid imagery and heartfelt language connect with listeners, evoking a sense of bittersweet nostalgia and universal relatability.
The Musical Composition
Musically, “Out of Mind, Out of Sight” showcases Kristofferson’s signature style, blending elements of country, folk, and rock. The arrangement features gentle acoustic instrumentation, accentuated by Kristofferson’s raw vocal delivery. His voice, rich and gravelly, conveys a depth of emotion that perfectly complements the song’s introspective nature.
The simplicity of the melody allows the nuanced lyrics to take center stage, creating a haunting yet beautiful soundscape. While the song may not have reached the commercial heights of some of his other hits, its profound emotional resonance and lyrical depth have earned it a lasting place among Kristofferson’s treasured works.
Kristofferson’s “Out of Mind, Out of Sight” is a testament to his enduring legacy as a songwriter who can articulate the highs and lows of human experience with sincerity. Through this song, listeners find themselves invited into a reflective journey, one that compels them to confront their own stories of love and longing.
In an era where music often prioritizes catchy hooks over lyrical substance, Kristofferson’s work stands as a powerful reminder of the profound connection between words and music—making it a must-listen for anyone who cherishes the richness of storytelling through song.
Video
Lyrics
Buddy tip your bottle back and climb aboard the bus
Join your brothers in the van
You ain’t bum in Birmingham and you ain’t one of us
We don’t really give a damn
London is a hundred miles away from where we’re at
And a thousand years behind
Splitin’ from the sorry gag that left us feeling flat
Out of sight and out of mind
Cruisin’ through the country side we’ll never see again
Ain’t it lonesome out tonight
We’ve been on this road now since I can’t remember when
Out of mind and out of sight
Buddy tip your bottle back…
[ guitar ]
Yeah I’ve been everywhere and I’ve seen any thing there is
But I never saw the light
Scared to death of dyin’ so I do my best to live
Out of mind and out of sight
Knowing no one nowhere’s gonna miss us when we’re gone
Let’s keep drinkin’ till we’re blind
Everybody’s sleeping and I’m stuck inside a song
Out of sight and out of line
Some day when it’s over and it’s time to settle down
And we’ve left it all behind
We can sit and wonder how we’ve ever got around
Out of sight and out of mind out of sight and out of mind
