Background

• 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.

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