It is one of three songs recorded by Nickel Creek that were written single-handedly by Sean, the other two being "Somebody More Like You" on Why Should the Fire Die?, and "Speak".

Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.

"This Side" is about going through a transition to a different lifestyle, being scared at first, but then feeling comfortable with the change.

The narrator sings "it's foreign on this side, and I'll not leave my home again".

Later, he changes his mind, by singing "it's foreign on this side, but it feels like I'm home again".