Otis Redding - I've Been Loving You Too Long Lyrics

Otis Redding Lyrics

"I've Been Loving You Too Long"

I've been loving you too long to stop now

You are tired and you want to be free
My love is growing stronger, as you become a habit to me
Ohh, I've been loving you too long
I don't wanna stop now

With you my life has been so wonderful
I can't stop now
You are 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
I don't want to stop now, ohh, ohh, ohh

I've been loving you a little too long
I don't wanna stop now, ohh, ohh, ohh
And 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 don't make me stop now
Talkin' 'bout heart and soul
That I love you
I love you

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Writer(s): Otis Redding, Jerry Butler

Booker T. Jones, who played piano on this track, recalled to Mojo magazine in October 2011, "My experience having been a church player, and having had the classical experience, really helped there. The 'walk-ups' on those songs are classical type walk-ups, the way the chorus progresses to where the chromatics strike, that emotion. Those were integral to me as a person and to the song. Working on something like that, Otis and me became very good friends, you know, spending time on the road or in a studio together."

There were two versions of this track recorded in 1965, they had the same rhythm, but one was 2:50 long and another 3:10, having an extra verse. Booker T. Jones played piano on one version while Isaac Hayes did on the other.

This song reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart.

The Rolling Stones made a cover version of "I've Been Loving You Too Long" for their live album "Got Live If You Want It!" (1966). Another notable cover was made by Ike & Tina Turner in 1968, and their performance can be seen in the concert film "Gimme Shelter" about the last days of The Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour.

album: "Otis Blue" (1965)

Ole Man Trouble

Respect

A Change Is Gonna Come

Down In The Valley

I've Been Loving You Too Long

You Don't Miss Your Water

"I've Been Loving You Too Long" lyrics

Otis Redding Lyrics