This Side of Heaven

Redd Carter's 'This Side of Heaven' is a poignant exploration of a love so profound that it transcends earthly experiences. The song opens with a plea to an 'Angel' to lay the singer down, setting a spiritual tone that permeates the entire piece. This invocation suggests a desire for divine intervention or guidance, as the singer prepares to share deeply personal thoughts and emotions. The heartbeat rising as they fall into a memory indicates a sense of urgency and intensity, underscoring the depth of the feelings involved.

The recurring theme of paradise and the singer's longing to return to it highlights a sense of loss and yearning. The 'brown eyes' mentioned could symbolize a specific person whose presence brings the singer immense comfort and joy. The repetition of 'I'm falling slowly' suggests a gradual, almost inevitable surrender to these powerful emotions. The imagery of being led to a church and dropped to their knees evokes a sense of reverence and worship, likening the beloved to a divine figure worthy of adoration.

The chorus, with its declaration of never having loved like this 'this side of heaven,' emphasizes the uniqueness and intensity of this love. The desire to 'memorize us skin to skin' and 'taste the pain' speaks to a longing for complete and total intimacy, both physical and emotional. The repeated mention of heaven serves as a reminder that this love is extraordinary, almost otherworldly, and something that the singer has never experienced before. The song beautifully captures the essence of a love that feels both sacred and all-consuming, making it a deeply moving and relatable piece for anyone who has ever felt a similar connection.