Side

The song Side by the Scottish band Travis stands out for its focus on the shared experience of life. Fran Healy, the vocalist, began writing it in 2000, initially with a rap segment that he later decided to remove. Instead, he created a riff that became the foundation of the song. The lyrics, completed during a flight, reflect on the search for a better life and how, in reality, we all share the same "part" of existence. This idea is expressed through common phrases, such as "the grass is always greener on the other side," which invite reflection on the perception of happiness.

Produced by Nigel Godrich, Side was released as the second single from The Invisible Band in September 2001, following its debut on US radio in August. Although it received mixed reviews, it reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and performed well in other countries like Ireland and Italy. The music video, with a UFO theme, features the band being abducted by aliens while playing the song, adding an intriguing visual touch to its lyrical message.

The recording took place at Ocean Way, Los Angeles, and the song's duration is 3:59. In addition to Side, the single includes live versions of Driftwood and a cover of All the Young Dudes by Mott the Hoople, along with a performance of You're a Big Girl Now by Bob Dylan. The creation of this song not only reflects Healy's artistic process but also encapsulates the essence of humanity's search for connection and understanding in a world where we are all on the same "side".