About the Song

“Try a Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding is a soulful and passionate ballad that showcases the legendary singer’s remarkable vocal talent and emotional depth. Originally released in 1966 as a single and later included in his album “Complete & Unbelievable: The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul,” this song has become one of his most iconic and enduring hits.

From the gentle piano intro to Redding’s raw and heartfelt vocals, “Try a Little Tenderness” captivates listeners with its sincerity and soulfulness. The song’s timeless melody and evocative lyrics speak to the universal experience of love and longing, making it resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.

Lyrically, “Try a Little Tenderness” urges listeners to embrace the power of love and empathy in navigating life’s challenges. Redding’s emotive delivery adds an extra layer of authenticity to the song, making it both powerful and poignant.

With its unforgettable melody and heartfelt message, “Try a Little Tenderness” has become a classic in the soul genre, earning praise from fans and critics alike. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Redding’s talent as a songwriter and performer, and his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

Decades after its release, “Try a Little Tenderness” continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world, solidifying its place as one of Otis Redding’s most beloved and enduring songs. It’s a timeless masterpiece that celebrates the transformative power of love and compassion.

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Lyric

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, yeah
You 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 do
It’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, yeah
But 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