Randy Travis – Oscar the Angel
- Released in 1990 on Randy Travis’s album “This Is Me”.
- The songwriter is credited to Don Schlitz.
- The song tells the story of a peculiar man named Oscar who walks the streets proclaiming himself to be an angel.
Themes
- Faith and the afterlife: The central theme is Oscar’s belief that everyone will go to heaven and become angels.
- Compassion and understanding: The narrator reflects on Oscar’s kindness despite being considered odd by others.
- Life’s impermanence: The lyrics touch on how our actions in this world hold little weight compared to the eternal.
Lyrics
The song follows a simple structure with verses describing Oscar and the narrator’s interactions, and a repeated chorus that captures Oscar’s message:
- Verse 1 introduces Oscar, a local fixture who shouts prophecies, walks long distances, and seems a little off-kilter.
- Chorus relays Oscar’s core belief: everyone will die and become angels, our earthly struggles don’t matter because we’re just lost children on a journey.
- Verse 2 reveals the narrator works at a movie theater and lets Oscar in for free despite him repeatedly watching the same films.
- Chorus repeats.
- Verse 3 The narrator revisits their hometown years later and learns Oscar has been institutionalized and passed away.
- The narrator acknowledges Oscar’s eccentricities but highlights his kindness and lack of judgment.
- The song ends with a reflection on true character.
Overall, “Oscar the Angel” offers a heartwarming perspective on faith, acceptance, and the enduring value of kindness.