About The Song
“Just Out of Reach (Of My Two Open Arms)” is a timeless country ballad recorded by Patsy Cline and released as a single in 1958 by Decca Records (catalog number 30522 or related promo/ep releases), often paired with tracks like “I Can See An Angel” on 45 EP-38. Written by Virgil “Pappy” Stewart, the song was originally recorded by the Stewart Family in 1951 and became a minor country hit for Faron Young in 1952 (reaching No. 10 on the country charts). Cline’s version was recorded on August 10, 1957, at Bradley Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, during her time with 4 Star Records (distributed by Decca). Produced in a straightforward country style typical of her late-1950s sessions, the track runs approximately 2:30 and features Cline’s heartfelt vocals backed by acoustic guitar, rhythm section, and subtle harmonies, capturing the aching longing of unfulfilled love.
By 1957-1958, Patsy Cline (born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932, in Gore, Virginia) was building on her breakthrough hit “Walkin’ After Midnight” (No. 2 country, No. 12 Hot 100 in 1957). Still under 4 Star’s contract, she recorded several sides in Nashville under Owen Bradley’s influence, transitioning toward the smoother sound that would define her later Decca hits. “Just Out of Reach” did not appear on a major studio album during her lifetime but was issued on various EPs and compilations, including promo releases and later anthologies like Just Out Of Reach (Jasmine, 2012), Her Original 4 Star Hits, and The Chronological Classics: Patsy Cline 1955-1957. The song’s lyrics poignantly describe love that remains tantalizingly close yet unattainable, with dreams, blues, and chains symbolizing emotional imprisonment—a theme that resonated in traditional country music of the era.
Upon release, “Just Out of Reach” did not achieve significant chart success, failing to enter the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart prominently (unlike Young’s version or Solomon Burke’s 1961 soul cover, which became a major R&B hit). It peaked modestly in some territories, such as No. 67 on the UK Singles Chart in a later reissue context, but served primarily as an album track and B-side material. The recording appeared on posthumous collections including Patsy Cline’s Golden Hits (Everest, 1962), Crazy Dreams: The 4 Star Years, and various greatest hits packages. It has been praised for showcasing Cline’s interpretive depth during her early Nashville period, before the lush production of her 1960s smashes like “Crazy” and “I Fall to Pieces.”
Behind the scenes, the song was one of several 4 Star recordings that highlighted Cline’s ability to transform country standards with emotional intensity. Though not a commercial standout, it remains a fan favorite for its raw vulnerability and has been included in comprehensive discographies and reissues. The track has also appeared in media and compilations celebrating her pre-1960 work. “Just Out of Reach” stands as an important piece of Cline’s early catalog, illustrating her evolution from regional performer to one of country music’s most influential vocalists before her tragic death in a plane crash on March 5, 1963, at age 30. It continues to be celebrated in classic country circles for its enduring theme of elusive love.
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Lyric
Love that runs away from me
Dreams that just won’t let me be
Blues that keep on botherin’ me
Chains that just won’t set me free
Too far away from you and all your charms
Just out of reach of my two open armsEach night in dreams I see your face
Memories time can’t erase
Then I awake and find you gone
I’m so blue and all aloneLove that runs away from me
Dreams that just won’t let me be
Blues that keep on botherin’ me
Chains that just won’t set me free
Too far away from you and all your charms
Just out of reach of my two open arms