About the song
**Introduction to “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”**
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” initially titled “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now),” is a quintessential soul ballad that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Written by the legendary Otis Redding and Jerry Butler, this 1965 composition is celebrated for its emotional depth and powerful delivery, representing one of Redding’s most acclaimed performances and a standout track in the soul music canon.
**The Song’s Impact and Success**
Released as a single in April 1965, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” quickly established itself as a major hit. The song became Redding’s second best-selling single and was prominently featured on his third studio album, *Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul*. Its heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery earned it significant commercial success, reaching number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart. Billboard praised the track as a “winning tender and soulful piece of material,” highlighting Redding’s poignant vocal performance. Similarly, Cash Box described the song as “a tender, slow-moving heartfelt lament” that poignantly captures the essence of love growing cold.
**Musical Composition and Recording**
The composition of “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” showcases Redding’s emotive vocal style, complemented by Steve Cropper’s distinctive arpeggiated guitar riffs and a lush horn section. The song’s arrangement includes two versions recorded in 1965, one featuring Booker T. Jones on piano and the other with Isaac Hayes. Despite their identical tempo, the two versions differ slightly in length and instrumentation. The recording also boasts contributions from notable musicians such as Donald Dunn on bass guitar, Al Jackson Jr. on drums, and a talented brass section including Wayne Jackson and Floyd Newman.
**Covers and Legacy**
The enduring appeal of “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” is evident through its numerous cover versions by iconic artists across various genres. The Rolling Stones, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Ike & Tina Turner have all offered their interpretations, each adding a unique dimension to the song. Additionally, Barbara Mandrell’s country rendition marked her debut single, while Johnny Diesel’s 1993 cover achieved notable chart success in Australia.
In recognition of its significant cultural impact, the song was added to the United States National Recording Registry in 2003 and its 1965 recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011. The song’s legacy continues to resonate, reflecting the timeless quality of Redding’s music and the profound emotional expression that defines soul music.
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