About the song
Introducing “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” by Otis Redding, a soulful ballad that captures the essence of love’s bittersweet journey with its heartfelt lyrics and impassioned delivery. Co-written by Redding himself along with Jerry Butler, this timeless classic is a testament to the depth of human emotion and the struggles of holding onto love.
Originally released on his album “Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul” in 1965, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” quickly became one of Redding’s most iconic songs. Its soul-stirring melody and Redding’s soulful vocals earned it critical acclaim, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest soul singers of all time.
The song’s emotional resonance struck a chord with audiences, propelling it to the upper echelons of the music charts. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, cementing its status as a soul classic.
Otis Redding’s impassioned performance on “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” showcases his unparalleled ability to convey raw emotion through his music. His soulful delivery and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making the song a timeless favorite among fans of soul and R&B music.
With its poignant lyrics and soul-stirring melody, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” remains a powerful testament to the enduring nature of love and the pain of letting go. Its timeless appeal continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming its place as one of Otis Redding’s greatest masterpieces.
Video
Lyrics
I’ve been loving you
Too long to stop now
You were tired
And you want to be free
My love is growing stronger
As you become a habit to me
Ooh, I’ve been loving you too long
I don’t wanna stop now, oh
With you, my life has been so wonderful
I can’t stop now
You were tired
And your love is growing cold
My love is growing stronger
As our affair, affair grows old
I’ve been loving you
Oh, too long to stop now
Oh, oh-oh
I’ve been loving you
A little too long
I don’t wanna stop now
Oh-oh, oh
Don’t make me stop now
Oh, baby, I’m down on my knees
Please, don’t make me stop now
I love you, I love you
I love you with all my heart and I can’t stop now
Please, please
Please, please don’t make me stop now, girl, no
Talkin’ ’bout heart and soul