About The Song
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” originally titled “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now),” stands as a soulful ballad co-written by Otis Redding and Jerry Butler. Revered by music critics and writers as one of Redding’s most exceptional performances and a quintessential soul classic, the song exudes raw emotion. It unfolds slowly, featuring Redding’s impassioned vocals harmonizing with producer Steve Cropper’s melodious guitar chords and complemented by a horn section.
Recorded in 1965, this heartfelt track became Redding’s second best-selling single upon its release in April that year. It found its place on his third album, “Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul” (1965). The song peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the impressive position of number 2 on the Billboard Rhythm & Blues chart.
Redding and Jerry Butler penned this song in a hotel room in Buffalo. The lyrics depict Otis caught in a difficult situation: his love affair is losing its heat, but he’s entangled in a love that has endured for so long, he can’t find the strength to walk away.
The title of this exceptional composition, co-written with Impressions front man Jerry Butler, might seem like the opening line of a goodbye letter, a prelude to a final farewell. Yet, it’s a poignant declaration of dependence: “I’ve been loving you too long to stop now.” The song captures the essence of a seasoned relationship, where one partner is restless and eager to move on, while the other clings desperately to the fading flame. Redding’s heartfelt lyrics, infused with pleas, threats, and melancholic observations, reflect the depth of his emotions: “My love is growing stronger as our affair grows old.” The song’s subtle reference to addiction, “You become a habit to me,” further solidifies the parallel between Redding’s lament and Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Both songs convey the idea that passion is a perilous drug, an addiction the user has no desire to overcome. Set to a waltz melody, played at a funereal pace and accompanied by a horn section emitting mournful notes akin to a monotone ambulance siren, Redding builds up the intensity until he is practically screaming for acknowledgment, pity, or any sign that his lover will endure the torment he craves.
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Lyric
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 nowWith 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, ohhI’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 nowI 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
Guitar chord
A E A E I've been loving you too long to stop now. A C#m You are tired and you want to be free D F My love is growing stronger as you become a habit to me A E Ooh, I'm loving you too long A E I don't wanna stop now. Oh. A E With you my life has been so wonderful A E I can't stop now. A C#m You are tired and your love is growing cold D F My love is growing stronger as my affair, affair grow A E A I've been loving you oh too long to stop now F Oh, oh-woah Bb F I've been loving a little too long Bb I don't wanna stop now. F# Oh, oh Bb Don't make me stop, babe F# Oh, babe Cos I don't believe Bb But please don't make it stop now F# I love, I love, I love you with all my heart Bb And I can't stop now F# Please, please, please, please, oh Bb Don't make me stop now, yeh F# Oh, all my heart and soul.