Otis Redding – “Try a Little Tenderness” (1966)

About The Song

Otis Redding’s rendition of “Try a Little Tenderness,” released in 1966, is a soulful and impassioned interpretation of the classic song. Written by Jimmy Campbell, Reg Connelly, and Harry M. Woods, the song’s heartfelt lyrics and stirring melody have made it a timeless classic in the realm of soul and rhythm and blues.

With Redding’s powerful and emotive vocals, “Try a Little Tenderness” takes on a new depth of emotion, conveying a sense of vulnerability and longing. His soul-stirring delivery and dynamic performance captivate listeners, drawing them into the heart of the song’s message.

Upon its release, Redding’s rendition of “Try a Little Tenderness” became a major hit, earning widespread acclaim for its raw emotion and musical artistry. Its success helped to solidify Redding’s reputation as one of the greatest and most influential singers of his generation.

As we revisit “Try a Little Tenderness,” we celebrate Otis Redding’s enduring legacy and the lasting impact of this iconic song. Its timeless beauty and soulful resonance continue to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the power of music to move and inspire us.

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Lyric

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