About the song
“Deeper Than the Holler,” a poignant ballad penned by songwriters Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, stands as a testament to enduring love and heartfelt emotion within country music. Recorded by the iconic Randy Travis, this song was released in November 1988 as the second single from his album “Old 8×10,” solidifying Travis’s reputation as a masterful interpreter of heartfelt ballads.
The song unfolds as a heartfelt declaration of love, with Travis’s rich baritone conveying the depth and sincerity of the narrator’s feelings for his beloved. The lyrics explore the narrator’s realization that his love transcends mere words and comparisons used by others. He acknowledges the countless songs and metaphors others use to express love, but asserts that his feelings run “deeper than the holler” – a sentiment that resonates with simplicity and honesty.
Upon its release, “Deeper Than the Holler” quickly ascended the charts, debuting at number 42 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated November 19, 1988. Its rapid climb continued, reaching number one on January 28, 1989, marking Travis’s eighth number-one single and his sixth consecutive chart-topper. The song’s success not only underscored Travis’s popularity but also reaffirmed his ability to connect with audiences through authentic storytelling and heartfelt performances.
In Germany, a special 3″ CD single featuring “Deeper Than the Holler” alongside other tracks was released, reflecting Travis’s international appeal and the song’s resonance beyond American borders.
“Deeper Than the Holler” remains a standout in Randy Travis’s discography, celebrated for its emotive lyrics, soulful delivery, and enduring impact within the country music genre. Its success further solidified Travis’s place as one of country music’s most beloved artists, known for his ability to convey profound emotions through his distinctive voice and timeless songs.
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Lyrics
Well, I’ve heard those city singers
Singing ’bout how they can love
Deeper than the oceans
Higher than the stars above
But I come from the country
And I know I ain’t seen it all
But I heard that ocean’s salty
And the stars, they sometimes fall
And that would not do justice
To the way I feel for you
So I had to sing this song
About all the things I knew
My love is deeper than the holler
Stronger than the river
Higher than the pine trees growin’ tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes
That fall in late December
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of a whippoorwill
From the back roads to the Broadway shows
With a million miles between
There’s at least a million love songs
That people love to sing
And every one is different
And every one’s the same
And this is just another way
Of saying the same thing
My love is deeper than the holler
Stronger than the river
Higher than the pine trees growin’ tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes
That fall in late December
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of a whippoorwill
My love is deeper than the holler
Stronger than the river
Higher than the pine trees growin’ tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes
That fall in late December
And honest as a Robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of a whippoorwill
A whippoorwill