Gladys Knight, born on May 28, 1944, developed her singing style while singing with her family at Baptist church functions. Though the group first released recordings in 1958, their career really got started when Motown founder Berry Gordy witnessed them perform at Harlem’s Apollo Theater in 1966 and felt very impressed. With a career following spanning decade after decade, featuring many hits, the group has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio.
Tenderness Is His Way
Gladys Knight & The Pips Lyrics
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To be there,
When I need someone who is
Stronger than I am;
And when he needs me,
I wanna be there
To take good care of him.
Oooooh, tenderness
Is his way
Tenderness is his way,
So gentle is
The way the man is,
Tenderness is his way.
Wherever he is, I, I, wanna be there, 'Cause I know he needs me
To take good care of him.
And, you know I want to
′Cause of the way he is...
Tenderness is his way.
Oooooooh, tenderness is his way...
When I'm down and out,
Tenderness is his way
Oooh, so gentle is
The way-ay-ay he is
Tenderness, tenderness is
His way
The lyrics of Gladys Knight and The Pips's song "Tenderness Is His Way" express a deep appreciation for a man who embodies the gentlest expressions of love and care. The song describes how this person is always there for the singer, especially when she needs someone who is stronger emotionally. The repetitive chorus reinforces the idea that tenderness is the core of his personality, and that this trait makes him stand out from others.
The second verse of the song confirms the singer's unwavering devotion to this person. She wants to be wherever he is, to take care of him in return for everything he does for her. Her admiration seems to stem from how soft and gentle he is. The overall message of the song celebrates the power of tenderness, which is a much-needed quality in a world that often rewards harshness and aggression.
Line by Line Meaning
He's always thoughtful enough
He is constantly attentive and considerate
To be there, When I need someone who is Stronger than I am;
He makes sure to be present when I require emotional support and guidance
And when he needs me, I wanna be there To take good care of him.
I too want to be there for him like he always is for me
Oooooh, tenderness Is his way
He expresses his love and care through gentle actions
Tenderness is his way, So gentle is The way the man is, Tenderness is his way.
His tender nature is a defining characteristic of who he is as a man
Wherever he is, I, I, wanna be there, 'Cause I know he needs me To take good care of him.
I want to remain by his side always to make sure he is well cared for and supported
And, you know I want to ′Cause of the way he is... Tenderness is his way.
I am motivated to take care of him because of his compassionate and caring personality
Oooooooh, tenderness is his way... When I'm down and out, Tenderness is his way
Even during difficult times, his tender nature remains a constant comfort in my life
Oooh, so gentle is The way-ay-ay he is Tenderness, tenderness is His way
His gentle and tender approach to life is a defining quality that makes him special
Writer(s): Bill Withers
Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.