About the Song
These Arms of Mine: A Soulful Ballad by Otis Redding
In the realm of soul music, few names resonate with the raw, unbridled emotion of Otis Redding. His voice, a force of nature, possessed an unmatched ability to convey the deepest wells of human feeling, from the heights of joy to the depths of despair. Among his many soul-stirring anthems, “These Arms of Mine” stands as a timeless testament to the power of love, longing, and devotion.
Released in 1962, “These Arms of Mine” marked Redding’s first single for Stax Records, the label that would launch him into stardom. The song, penned by Redding himself, is a simple yet profound declaration of love, a heartfelt promise to cherish and protect a beloved partner.
From the opening notes, “These Arms of Mine” envelops the listener in a warm embrace of soulfulness. The rhythm section, anchored by Steve Cropper‘s iconic guitar licks and Al Jackson Jr.‘s steady beat, provides a solid foundation for Redding’s impassioned vocals. As Redding pours his heart out, his voice soaring and swooping with every note, the song transcends mere words, becoming an embodiment of love itself.
The lyrics of “These Arms of Mine” are as direct as they are heartfelt. Redding doesn’t shy away from expressing his deepest emotions, declaring that his love is “stronger than the ocean, deeper than the sea.” He promises to be his partner’s rock, their confidant, their forever love.
“These Arms of Mine” is more than just a love song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of human connection. In a world that often seems cold and indifferent, Redding’s song offers a beacon of hope, a reminder that love can conquer all.
Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine” is a soul classic, a song that has touched the hearts of millions around the world. It’s a testament to the power of music to express the deepest emotions, to connect us to one another, and to remind us of the beauty of love.
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Lyric
These arms of mine, they are lonely
Lonely and feeling blue
These arms of mine, they are yearning
Yearning from wanting you
And if you would let them hold you
Oh, how grateful I will be
These arms of mine, they are burning
Burning from wanting you
These arms of mine, they are wanting
Wanting to hold you
And if you would let them hold you
Oh, how grateful I will be
Come on, come on, baby
Just be my little woman
Just be my lover, oh
I need me somebody, somebody to treat me right, oh
I need your arms, loving arms to hold me tight
And I, I, I need, I need your, I need your, tender lips, to hold, hold me
Tell me when I’m right now, baby