The door swings both ways
Herman's Hermits · Both Sides of Herman's Hermits [1966]
Everyones life is bittersweet
It's a door that opens wide
And no man can call himself complete
Till he's seen it from both sides
This door swings both ways
It's marked 'In' and 'Out'
Some days you'll want to cry
And some days you will shout
This door swings both ways
It goes back and forth
In comes a southern breeze
Or a cold wind from the north
This door swings both ways
Lets in joy and pain
In comes the morning sun
And then the evening rain
This door swings both ways
Lets in dark and light
Every day you make the choice
To let in wrong or right
When shadows fall
You must prepare yourself for sunshine
For everything there is an end
And so my friend you must be brave
This door swings both ways
Which one will it be
Will we live in happiness
Or dwell in misery
This door swings both ways
Lets in earth and sky
Make the most of livin'
If you're not prepared to die
Make the most of livin'
If you're not prepared to die
It's a door that opens wide
And no man can call himself complete
Till he's seen it from both sides
This door swings both ways
It's marked 'In' and 'Out'
Some days you'll want to cry
And some days you will shout
This door swings both ways
It goes back and forth
In comes a southern breeze
Or a cold wind from the north
This door swings both ways
Lets in joy and pain
In comes the morning sun
And then the evening rain
This door swings both ways
Lets in dark and light
Every day you make the choice
To let in wrong or right
When shadows fall
You must prepare yourself for sunshine
For everything there is an end
And so my friend you must be brave
This door swings both ways
Which one will it be
Will we live in happiness
Or dwell in misery
This door swings both ways
Lets in earth and sky
Make the most of livin'
If you're not prepared to die
Make the most of livin'
If you're not prepared to die
The Door Swings Both Ways
Released in 1966 on the album Both Sides of Herman's Hermits, this track exemplifies the British Invasion's blend of folk and rock. The song features the group's signature harmonies and acoustic-driven arrangements, characteristic of their work during the mid-1960s. While often associated with their broader catalog of upbeat pop and rockers, the recording maintains a reflective tone that complements the band's exploration of diverse musical styles. It stands as a notable song in Herman's Hermits' discography, showcasing their ability to craft melodic compositions that resonated with audiences of the era without relying on complex production techniques.