Jill Sobule (born January 16, 1965 in Denver, Colorado) is an American sing… Read Full Bio ↴Jill Sobule (born January 16, 1965 in Denver, Colorado) is an American singer-songwriter best known for the then-controversial song, I Kissed a Girl (not to be confused with the 2008 Katy Perry hit song of the same name) and for Supermodel from the soundtrack of the hit 1995 film Clueless. In 1990, she released her debut album Things Here Are Different. Over the next sixteen years, she would go on to record five more records, three EPs and a greatest hits compilation. Though her albums are often critically acclaimed, Sobule remains more of an underground artist, playing for fans across the United States in smaller, more personal settings.

In many of her songs, she incorporates humor into a narrative, some tracks ultimately becoming catchy anecdotes. Generally, her songs are unconventionally folk-like, using horn arrangements not found in tracks recorded by mainstream artists. Sobule also uses both satire and experience to sing about sexuality, depression, war, abandonment, and creed.

Tender Love
Jill Sobule Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Close the door
Don't leave your fears behind
I'll find the tears
You thought no one could find
And when I'm through
I'll give to you
Tender love
Tender love

Take off your coat
And I'll make you some tea
And then I'll show
You why you came to me
I won't spare the rod
But I'll spoil the child
Tender love
Tender love
Tender love

Just one kiss
Before you leave
Tender love
Tender love

Tender love
Tender love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jill Sobule's song "Tender Love" is a heartfelt anthem about offering comfort and support to someone who is going through a tough time. The first verse begins with the singer encouraging the person to let go of their fears and promising to help them find the tears they have been holding back. The chorus repeats the phrase "Tender love" several times, emphasizing the kind of love that is gentle and nurturing.

The second verse highlights the intimacy of the interaction between the singer and the person they are addressing. The singer invites them to take off their coat, make them some tea, and comforts them in such a way that they know they came to the singer for a reason. The third line, "I won't spare the rod, but I'll spoil the child," presents a complex idea about tough love. It suggests that sometimes, one needs discipline to grow but also acknowledges the importance of positive reinforcement to ensure growth.

Overall, "Tender Love" is a beautiful song about compassionate love, one that understands the vulnerability of the human condition, and recognizes the need for tenderness and care even amid moments of hardship.

Line by Line Meaning

Close the door
Let's have some privacy and close the door behind us

Don't leave your fears behind
Bring all your fears with you, I'll help you face them

I'll find the tears
I'll help you express your emotions and find the tears you thought were lost

You thought no one could find
You may feel alone in your pain, but I am here to help you

And when I'm through
After we have dealt with your emotions and fears together

I'll give to you
I'll support you and give you the love you need

Tender love
An affectionate and caring love

Take off your coat
Make yourself comfortable, let's talk

And I'll make you some tea
Let me take care of you and make you some hot tea

And then I'll show
After we've talked and you feel comfortable, I'll show you what you came to me for

You why you came to me
To receive my love and support, and to face your fears and emotions together