A clear commentary on the Berlin wall, and the separation it causes. Del Shannon and Hyland orchestrated the song as a love song, an upbeat song about two lovers separated by a border, wondering why they’re kept apart, despite their love.
[Intro]
Birds in the sky
And I bet they wonder why
You had to say goodbye
'Cause I know they see us cry
[Verse 1]
Open some windows
No one is watching
Maybe tonight she will run
I stand here waiting
Helplessly waiting
Hoping tonight she will come
[Chorus]
She lives on the East side
I live on the West side
Of the border
[Verse 2]
I'll never understand just why
We can't be together
They keep us apart
Don't they know
We need each other
[Outro]
She lives on thе East side
I live on the Wеst side
She lives on the East side
I live on the West side
She lives on the East side
I live on the West side
She lives on the East side of the border
Ah, ah, ah
On The East Side was written by Del Shannon & Brian Hyland.
On The East Side was produced by Del Shannon.