Otis Redding needs no introduction either. his extraordinary voice exemplified to many listeners the power of southern 'deep soul' - hoarse, gritty vocals, brassy arrangements, and an emotional way with both party tunes and aching ballads. His death at the age of 26 was tragic because he seemed on the verge of breaking through to a wide pop audience (which he would indeed do with his posthumous #1 single, "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay") as well as being at a point of artistic breakthrough in terms of the expression and sophistication.
My Girl
Aretha Franklin & Otis Redding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
I've got so much honey the bees envy me
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Ooh
I don't need no money, fortune, or fame
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
With my girl
I've even got the month of May
With my girl
The lyrics to Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding's song "My Girl" speak of immense love and affection towards a woman. The song is an ode to the singer's significant other, who makes them feel like they have "sunshine on a cloudy day." They express how even in the darkest of times, they feel like they have warmth and light because of their lover. They also mention how they have everything they need and more in their relationship, such as "honey," "riches," and a "sweeter song" than the birds. The singer asks, "What can make me feel this way?," and the answer is "My girl (my girl, my girl)." The repetition of the phrase "my girl" emphasizes the depth of their love and how they cannot stop talking about their significant other.
These lyrics are significant because they showcase how love can make everything feel brighter and more manageable. The singer reminds us that love is not about material possessions or status; it is about the connection between two people. The imagery used in the song, such as "sunshine on a cloudy day," is powerful because it shows how love can have a tangible impact on how we feel. The lyrics are relatable for anyone who has experienced the warmth and security that comes with being in love.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
Even on days that could seem gloomy, I have joy and happiness - possibly because of my girl.
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May
Even when the world around me feels like it has withered and is frozen, I have a warm and beautiful feeling - which I attribute to my girl.
I guess you'd say
I can hear you thinking that this is amazing, and you'd be right.
What can make me feel this way?
What could be responsible for bringing such goodness to my life?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
My girl - that's right, I'm talking about my girl.
Talkin' 'bout my girl (my girl)
I'm still talking about my girl.
I've got so much honey the bees envy me
I possess an abundance of sweetness and goodness that is coveted by everyone, including bees and other creatures.
I've got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees
My joy is so immense that even the birds around me are outdone in their melodies - I'm so happy.
Hey hey hey
I'm feeling so good that I just have to shout out with excitement - hey, hey, hey!
Ooh
My happiness is so profound that I can't find the right words to convey it.
I don't need no money, fortune, or fame
I don't need any external things like money, wealth, or fame to be happy - my girl is enough for me.
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim
I possess all the richness and good things in life that one person could possibly desire, thanks to my girl.
With my girl
All of this joy and beauty is because of the presence of my girl beside me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ronald White, William Robinson Jr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ana Rabelo
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside
I've got the month of May
I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl
My girl
I've got so much honey
The bees envy me
I've got a sweeter song
Than the birds in the trees
Well, I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl
My girl
Ohh ohh
Hey hey hey
Hey hey hey
Oh yeah
I don't need no money, fortune, or fame
I've got all the riches baby one man can claim
Well I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way
My girl, my girl, my girl
Talkin' 'bout my girl, my girl, talkin' 'bout my girl
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day with my girl
I've even got the month of May with my girl
Talkin' 'bout, talkin' 'bout, talkin' 'bout
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July Myers
his voice is phenomenal, gosh
Hypnotiksoul2
BEST version of this song no questions asked!
Kian
I love this song.
This is the song that pops Inside your head when you meet a girl that is the one.
Vera Traore
It's just unforgettable love it forever.
Ruth Zepeda
RIP
Excellent music since beings until now!
Euan Gregory
I know it’s not the original- but reckon its the definitive version! Horns make it for me.
Crystal Ward
I like his version better than the Temptations .. go otis redding He was something else in a very good way
Jasserenity
Me too!
Katbyrd
Crystal Ward Agree, this is my favorite Otis tune!
Tracey Hamilton
Although I love Ottis, I think he really Blew it with the lyrics on this one. " I don't need no money, all I need IS MY FAME".. this is contradicting what The Temptations were trying to get across. " I don't need no money, FORTUNE OR FAME. I got all the riches one man can claim"..MEANING: he needs none of $$$$, all he needs it MY GIRL! Otis states "all he needs is his fame!. doesn't make sense to me.