About the song
Introducing the soulful classic “Try A Little Tenderness” by the incomparable Otis Redding! This timeless piece of music, released in 1966, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, transcending generations with its heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melodies.
Crafted by songwriters Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and Harry M. Woods, “Try A Little Tenderness” found its definitive rendition in Otis Redding’s rendition. It’s featured on Redding’s critically acclaimed album “Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul,” a testament to his mastery of the soul genre. The album itself stands as a cornerstone in Redding’s illustrious career, showcasing his rich, emotive vocals and his ability to infuse every note with raw emotion.
Upon its release, “Try A Little Tenderness” quickly ascended the charts, solidifying its place as a chart-topping hit. It reached the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of Redding’s signature songs, cherished by fans worldwide. Its enduring popularity has seen it featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, ensuring its legacy for years to come.
The song’s message of love and compassion remains as relevant today as it was over half a century ago. Redding’s impassioned delivery, coupled with the lush instrumentation, creates an unforgettable listening experience that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves a lasting impression.
So, whether you’re revisiting this classic gem or discovering it for the first time, allow Otis Redding’s “Try A Little Tenderness” to envelop you in its warmth and remind you of the power of love and tenderness in our lives.
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Lyrics
Oh she may be wearyThem young girls they do get weariedWearing that same old shaggy dress, yeah, yeahBut when she gets wearyTry a little tenderness, yeah, yeahYou know she’s waitingJust anticipatingThe thing that you’ll never, never, never, never possess, yeah, yeahBut while she’s there waitingWithout them try a little tendernessThat’s all you got to doIt’s not just sentimental no, no, noShe has her grief and care, yeah, yeah, yeahBut the soft words they are spoke so gentle, yeahIt makes it easier, easier to bear, yeahYou won’t regret it no, noYoung girls they don’t forget itLove is their whole happiness, yeah, yeah, yeahBut it’s all so easyAll you got to do is tryTry a little tendernessYeahAll you got to do is, man, hold her when you wannaSqueeze her, don’t tease her, never leave herGet to her, got, got, got to try a little tenderness, yeah, yeahYou got to know how to love her, manDon’t be surprised, manYou got to squeeze her, don’t tease her, never leaveYou got to hold her, brother, something, manTry a little tenderness, yeah, yeah, yeahYou got to grab her gently, manDon’t bruise her, no, noYou got to love her, tease her, don’t squeeze herYou got to try, na na na na naTry, try a little tenderness, yeahWatch her grooveYou got to know what to do, manTake this adviceYou gotta love, squeeze, don’t tease