About The Song
“These Arms” was written and recorded by American country music artist Dwight Yoakam. It was released in November 1994 as the lead single from his album Gone on Reprise Records. The song peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and reached No. 5 on the Canadian RPM country singles chart, marking a strong start for the album.
The song was recorded in Los Angeles and Nashville, produced by Pete Anderson, with Yoakam’s twangy vocals leading the track. The recording featured a blend of honky-tonk and country-rock influences, with Anderson’s guitar work and a heartfelt rhythm section creating a classic yet modern sound. The track runs 3:31.
The lyrics express a man’s longing to hold his lover again, with lines like “These arms are yours to hold.” Yoakam crafted the song as a tender ballad, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through simple yet powerful lyrics, rooted in the Bakersfield sound tradition with a touch of vulnerability.
The music video, directed by Yoakam and George Bloom, premiered in late 1994 and features Yoakam performing in a rustic setting, with emotional close-ups enhancing the song’s sentimental tone. The video’s intimate style contributed to its airplay success on country music channels.
Upon release, “These Arms” achieved solid success, spending several weeks on the charts and contributing to Gone’s gold certification. The album, released in October 1994, hit No. 11 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, reflecting Yoakam’s continued relevance in the genre.
Yoakam, born on October 23, 1956, in Pikeville, Kentucky, promoted the single with live performances and TV appearances. His career, built on blending neotraditional country with rockabilly influences, was highlighted by this hit, which was later included on his 2002 compilation Reprise Please Baby: The Warner Bros. Years.
The song remains a fan favorite, appreciated for its emotional depth and Yoakam’s vocal delivery. It continues to be featured in country music retrospectives, reflecting his enduring impact on the genre.
Video
Lyric
These arms
That hang here by my side
These arms that ache to open wide
Are useless arms with nothing left to do
Since these arms
Stopped holding you
These arms are worthless now to me
They let you go so how good could they be
Just foolish arms for which I have no need
A pair of arms that grew weak
And set love free
Reaching out to embrace
A vacant memory
Finding just the empty space
Around what’s left of me
Two arms that failed completely
Arms both scarred so deeply
Keep paying love’s costs with each tragic sway
Trying meekly to assist
My struggle with the truth
Unable to resist
What tears still make us view
Two arms that failed completely
Arms both scarred so deeply
Keep paying love’s costs with each tragic sway
These arms
That hang here by my side
These arms that ache to open wide
Useless arms with nothing left to do
Since these arms
Stopped holding you
Since these arms
Stopped holding you