Side By Side
- Appears on: Come Explore With Me
- Composer: Harry Woods
- Year Written: 1927
Song Background & History
Side By Side was written in 1927 by songwriter Harry Woods, a prolific Tin Pan Alley figure whose other works include “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” and “When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin’ Along).” The song quickly became a standard in the American popular repertoire, recorded by dance bands, jazz singers, and pop vocalists across decades. Its simple, companionable message — sticking together through good and bad — made it an enduring favorite through changing musical eras.
Notable versions have come from Paul Whiteman, Kay Starr, Dean Martin, and even more modern performers who have brought it into swing, folk, and novelty settings. Despite nearly a century in circulation, the song still invites fresh interpretations because of its straightforward structure and universal sentiment.
My Interpretation & Arrangement
Side By Side has a lighter and brighter feel than some of the other tracks on Come Explore With Me, which at times explores surprisingly dark shades of emotion. The upbeat, good-humored spirit of the song felt like a perfect fit for the way I play guitar. The moment I tried it, I knew I could find a comfortable pocket for my voice here — an easy, swinging groove that would let the melody breathe without rushing it.
I also liked how the lyrics’ theme of mutual support connected to the more reflective pieces on the album. While those darker songs explore inner landscapes, Side By Side plants its feet firmly in joy and solidarity.
Recording Notes
Craig Levy’s production choices elevated the track’s playfulness. He added tasteful instrumental flourishes that felt in step with the song’s good humor. One inspired decision was letting a casual ukulele solo trace right alongside the guitar solo, matching it note-for-note. It’s a small moment, but it gives the track a wink of humor and a bit of charm I wouldn’t have thought to add myself.
The arrangement stays open enough for the vocal to carry the warmth of the message while the guitar provides rhythmic drive. The tempo remains steady, almost like a walk shared between two people — a musical metaphor for the companionship the song celebrates.
Lyrics & Chords (ChordPro)
{title:Side By Side}
{subtitle:Harry Woods}
Oh, we [G]ain’t got a barrel of [C]mon- [G]ey, maybe we’re ragged and [C]fun- [G]ny,
but we’ll [C]travel along [G]singin’ a [E7]song [A7]side [D7]by [G]side.
Don’t know what’s comin’ to- [C]mor- [G]row, maybe it’s trouble and [C]sor- [G]row,
but we’ll [C]travel the road, [G]sharin’ our [E7]load [A7]side [D7]by [G]side.
[B+]Through all kinds of wea- [B7]ther, [E7]what if the sky should fall?
Just as [A7]long as we’re together, it [D7]doesn’t [Ddim]matter at [D7]ALL.
When they’ve [G]all had their quarrels and [C]par- [G]ed, we’ll be the same as we [C]start- [G]ed,
just [C]trav’lin along [G]singin’ a [E7]song [A7]side [D7]by [G]side.
{tag: Harry Woods}
{tag: 1927}
Listen to the Track
Recording Side By Side reminded me how some songs endure because they speak to experiences that never change. Whether it’s 1927 or today, there’s something reassuring about the promise of facing life together, side by side. On Come Explore With Me, this track serves as a joyful counterpoint to more introspective numbers, and I think it’s one listeners will return to whenever they want a little musical sunlight in their day.
Legacy & Cultural Impact
Over the decades, Side By Side has moved easily between genres — from 1920s dance orchestras to swing bands, folk duos, barbershop quartets, and even television performances. Its sing-along quality has made it a staple for community events, school programs, and casual gatherings. The fact that its message has remained relevant for nearly 100 years speaks to the universality of its theme: that the journey is more bearable, and more joyful, when shared. Even in an era of rapid change in popular music, the song continues to be rediscovered by new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
