Love Comes From The Other Side Of Town is a poignant country ballad released in 1984 on the album Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind. Strait, known as the “King of Country” for his reign over the genre throughout the 1980s and 1990s, delivered this song written by Fred J. Freiling. Jimmy Bowen, a longtime collaborator of Strait’s, took the producer’s chair for the album.
Love Comes From The Other Side Of Town tells the story of a failing relationship. While the song doesn’t explicitly state the cause of the problems, the lyrics paint a picture of a love that has lost its spark. The narrator sings about going through the motions at home, where “the feelings we once shared are just no longer there.” With a heavy heart, he acknowledges that “love comes from the other side of town,” hinting at an extramarital affair that provides him with a temporary escape from his unhappy reality.
Love Comes From The Other Side Of Town was not a chart-topping hit for Strait, but it resonated with fans for its relatable story and classic country sound. The song showcases Strait’s signature smooth vocals and his ability to deliver a heartfelt performance that embodies the emotional complexity of the lyrics. While not one of Strait’s biggest hits, Love Comes From The Other Side Of Town remains a valuable addition to his extensive catalog and a favorite among some fans for its portrayal of a love that has gone astray.