Otis Redding – Try A Little Tenderness

About the song

In the realm of soul music, few names resonate with the raw emotion and unbridled passion of Otis Redding. His voice, a force of nature, could convey the deepest depths of sorrow and the heights of unadulterated joy, leaving listeners profoundly moved. Among his many soul-stirring anthems, “Try a Little Tenderness” stands as a timeless masterpiece, a heartfelt plea for affection that has captivated audiences for generations.

Released in 1966 as a single from the album “Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul,” “Try a Little Tenderness” was originally written by Harry Richman and Fred Burke in 1932. However, it was Redding’s soulful interpretation that transformed the song into an enduring classic. Backed by the impeccable grooves of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Redding poured his heart and soul into the performance, his voice soaring and pleading with an intensity that is both captivating and heartbreaking.

The lyrics, imbued with a universal longing for connection, paint a vivid picture of a man desperately seeking solace in the tenderness of his beloved. Redding’s impassioned delivery amplifies the emotional weight of each word, creating a palpable sense of vulnerability and yearning. The song’s timeless appeal lies in its ability to capture the essence of human connection, the profound need for love and understanding that transcends time and circumstance.

“Try a Little Tenderness” quickly ascended the charts, reaching number one on the R&B Singles chart and number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success solidified Redding’s status as a soul icon and cemented its place as a cornerstone of American music history.

Beyond its commercial success, “Try a Little Tenderness” has garnered critical acclaim for its raw emotional power and timeless message. Rolling Stone magazine ranked the song number 24 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, praising Redding’s “soulful, pleading vocals” and the song’s “simple, direct plea for affection.”

The song’s influence extends far beyond the soul genre, having been covered by numerous artists across various musical styles. Notable renditions include those by Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and the Eagles, each interpretation adding a unique perspective to the song’s enduring message.

“Try a Little Tenderness” remains a testament to Otis Redding’s unparalleled vocal prowess and his ability to convey the deepest human emotions through song. Its poignant lyrics and soulful melody continue to resonate with listeners worldwide, serving as a reminder of the transformative power of love and tenderness.

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Lyrics

Oh, she may be weary
Young girls they do get weary
Wearing that same old shaggy dress, yeah yeah
But when she gets weary
Try a little tenderness, yeah yeah

You know she’s waiting
Just anticipating
For things that she’ll never, never, never, never possess, yeah yeah
But while she’s there waiting, without them
Try a little tenderness (that’s all you gotta do)

It’s not just sentimental, no, no, no
She has her grief and care, yeah yeah yeah
But the soft words, they are spoke so gentle, yeah
It makes it easier, easier to bear, yeah

You won’t regret it, no, no
Some girls they don’t forget it
Love is their only happiness, yeah
But it’s all so easy
All you gotta do is try, try a little tenderness, yeah
All you gotta do is, man, hold her where you want her

Squeeze her, don’t tease her, never leave her
Get to her, try, try
Just try a little tenderness, ooh yeah yeah yeah
You got to know how to love her, man, you’ll be surprised, man
You’ve got to squeeze her, don’t tease her, never leave
You’ve got to hold her and rub her softly
Try a little tenderness, ooh yeah yeah yeah
You’ve got to rub her gentle man, all you gotta do, no no
You’ve got to love her, squeeze her, don’t tease her
Gotta try nah nah nah, try
Try a little tenderness, yeah, watch her groove
You’ve gotta to know what to do, man
Take this advice