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Introduction
There’s something magical about hearing a song that feels timeless, as though it transcends the moment it was written. Randy Travis’s rendition of “It’s Just a Matter of Time” is one of those pieces. It holds a nostalgic charm while evoking the kind of heartache and longing that anyone who’s waited on love can relate to. The way Randy captures that raw vulnerability takes the song to a place of deep emotional resonance.
About The Composition
- Title: It’s Just A Matter Of Time
- Composer: Brook Benton, Clyde Otis, and Belford Hendricks
- Premiere Date: 1959 (original version by Brook Benton)
- Album: No Holdin’ Back (Randy Travis version, 1989)
- Genre: Country
Background
“It’s Just a Matter of Time” was originally penned in 1958 by Brook Benton, along with Clyde Otis and Belford Hendricks. The song was released in 1959 and quickly became a massive hit for Benton, marking his entry into stardom. The song’s lyrics, steeped in longing and patient hope, resonated deeply with listeners, leading it to become a signature piece not just for Benton, but for several other artists who covered it later.
When Randy Travis recorded his version in 1989, the song had already been a staple of the pop and R&B world, but he brought it into the realm of country music. Travis’s deep, rich baritone added a fresh emotional depth to the song, making it a hit on the country charts as well. His version reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1989, solidifying the song’s cross-genre appeal.
Musical Style
Musically, “It’s Just a Matter of Time” is a classic example of smooth country balladry, blending the lyrical poignancy of Benton’s original with the emotional grit that Randy Travis is known for. The song is structured in a traditional verse-chorus format, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. Travis’s instrumentation leans into country’s typical use of steel guitars, piano, and a soft rhythm section, giving the track a soothing, almost lullaby-like quality.
What sets this rendition apart is Randy’s vocal delivery. His voice, full of heartfelt sorrow, lingers on each note, emphasizing the theme of waiting and anticipation embedded in the lyrics. The slow tempo and minimalist arrangement help highlight the emotional weight of the lyrics, while the subtle nuances of Travis’s voice invite listeners to feel the pain of a love that’s just out of reach.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “It’s Just a Matter of Time” revolve around a man waiting for his love to return. The refrain echoes his confidence that, despite their current separation, time will bring them back together. It’s a song of faith, but also of heartache, as the singer grapples with the uncertainty of when—or if—his lover will return. The juxtaposition of hope and sorrow makes the lyrics particularly poignant, capturing the emotional complexity of waiting for love.
Performance History
Randy Travis’s version of “It’s Just a Matter of Time” was performed on numerous stages, from intimate concert halls to larger country music venues. It became a fan favorite in his live shows, where Travis’s heartfelt delivery brought the audience to moments of stillness and reflection. The song’s chart-topping success in 1989 was further proof of its staying power, both as a country hit and as a crossover favorite.
Cultural Impact
Randy Travis’s interpretation of “It’s Just a Matter of Time” not only reintroduced the song to a new generation but also highlighted the genre’s ability to take older pop and R&B hits and give them new life in the country sphere. This cross-genre adaptation became a hallmark of country music in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and Travis was one of the leading voices in that movement.
Beyond music, “It’s Just a Matter of Time” has appeared in various forms of media, from television shows to nostalgic radio programs, reaffirming its place as a staple of American music.
Legacy
More than half a century after its initial release, “It’s Just a Matter of Time” continues to hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers. For many, Randy Travis’s version is the definitive interpretation, bringing the song’s themes of hope, heartache, and patience to a new emotional height. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its universal message, reminding listeners that love—and life—often requires the patience to wait for the right moment.
Conclusion
“It’s Just a Matter of Time” is one of those rare songs that spans generations, finding new life in the voices of different artists. Randy Travis’s rendition captures the core of the song’s message while infusing it with his own unique style. It’s a song that encourages you to take a deep breath and trust that, even in moments of doubt, time has a way of bringing things full circle.
If you’re looking to experience this classic for the first time—or to hear it in a fresh light—Randy Travis’s version on his No Holdin’ Back album is the perfect place to start. Prepare to feel the weight of every note as Travis takes you on a journey through love, loss, and the quiet confidence that everything will work out in time.
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Lyrics
Someday, Someway You’ll realise that you’ve been blind
Yes Darling, you’re going to need me again
It’s just a matter of time
Go on, go on Til you reach the end of the line
Cause I know you’ll pass my way again
It’s just a matter of time
After I gave you everything I had
You laughed and you called me a clown
Remember in your search for fortune and fame
What goes up must come down
I know, I know That one day you’ll wake up and find
That my love is a true love
It’s just a matter of time
Words are spoken with chords played
Someday and Someway
Girl you’ll realise that you’ve been blind
Yes Darling, I know you gonna need me again
It’s just a matter of time
Continue singing here
After I gave you everything I had
You laughed and you called me a clown
But remember in your search for fortune and fame
What goes up must come down
I know, I know That one day you’ll wake up and find
That my love was a true love
It’s just a matter of time