About the song
Background
- Part of his Debut Album: “Pain in My Heart” served as the title track for Otis Redding’s debut studio album released in 1964. It was a pivotal moment in establishing him as a major force in soul music.
- Early Success: The song was one of several successful singles released by Redding between 1962 and 1963, including classics like “These Arms of Mine.”
- Production: Produced by Jim Stewart, the co-founder of Stax Records, where Redding was signed. The Stax sound, with its blend of soulful vocals, tight horn sections, and driving rhythms, is evident in the track.
Themes
- Heartbreak and Longing: The central theme of the song is the intense pain of unrequited love. Redding expresses anguish and a deep sense of longing for a seemingly absent lover.
- Desperation and Vulnerability: The lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and desperation on the part of the singer, pleading for his love to return to ease his suffering.
- Classic Blues Motifs: The song borrows heavily from traditional blues themes of lost love, heartache, and the desire for reconciliation.
Lyrics
Here’s a look at some key lines and their interpretations:
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“Pain in my heart, she’s treating me cold / Where can my baby be, Lord no one knows”
- Establishes the core feeling of pain and the mystery of his lover’s disappearance.
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“Pain in my heart just won’t let me sleep / Where can my baby be, Lord where can she be”
- The pain is all-consuming, affecting his ability to rest and function.
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“I want you to come back, come back, come back, baby / ‘Till I get enough”
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A desperate plea and a hint at the insatiable desire for the lover’s return.
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Legacy
“Pain in My Heart” is widely considered an early classic in Otis Redding’s career. It helped shape his reputation as an incredibly powerful and emotive vocalist, capable of channeling raw emotions in his music. The song’s themes of love and loss speak to a universal human experience, making it a timeless piece of soul music.
Video
Lyrics
Pain in my heartShe’s treating me coldWhere can my baby be?Lord, no one knows
Pain in my heartJust won’t let me sleepWhere can my baby be?Lord, where can she be?
Another day has, has began to get toughSaid I want you to come back, come back, come back, babyI had enough, oh
A little pain in my heartJust won’t let me beWake up at restless nightsLord, and I can’t even sleep
Mm-mm, yeah
Stop this little pain in my heart
Another day has, has began to get roughSaid I want you to love me, love me, love me, baby‘Til I get enough, oh
Pain in my heartA little pain in my heartStop this little pain in my heartStop this little pain in my heartSomeone stop this painSomeone stop this pain, oh