New Riders of the Purple Sage was an American country rock band. The group … Read Full Bio ↴New Riders of the Purple Sage was an American country rock band. The group emerged from the psychedelic rock scene in San Francisco, California in 1969. The band's mainstays were David Nelson, John Dawson, and Jerry Garcia, and many future members of Grateful Dead rotated through.

Hard To Handle
New Riders Of The Purple Sage Lyrics

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Isbell-Jones-Redding

Baby, here I am,
I'm a man on the scene.
I can give you what you want
but you got to go home with me.
I've a got some good old lovin',
and I got some in store.

When I get through throw in' it on you,
you got to come back for more.
Boys and things will come by the dozen,
but that ain't nothin' but drugstore lovin'
Prety little thing, let me light your candle,
'cause mama I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes I am.
Action speaks louder than words,
And I'm a man with a great experience.
I know you got you another man,
but, I can love you better than him.
Take my hand, don't be afraid,
I wanna prove every word I say.
I advertize love for free, so won't ya
Place your ad with me ?
Boys will come a dime by the dozen,
but that ain't nothin' but ten-cent love.
Prety little thing, let me light your candle,
'cause mama I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes I am.
Baby, here I am,
I'm a man on the scene.
I can give you what you want
but you got to go home with me.
I've a got some good old lovin',
and I got some in store.
When I get through throw in' it on you,
you got to come back for more.
Boys and things will come by the dozen,
but that ain't nothin' but drugstore lovin'

Prety little thing, let me light your candle,
'cause mama I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes I am.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Hard to Handle" by New Riders of the Purple Sage present a persuasive persona who wants the attention of a "pretty little thing." He declares himself "a man on the scene," confident that he can give her what she wants. He has "some good old lovin'," and promises to give her more, boasting that he is "hard to handle." He accepts that other men may come, but he knows he is the best she can get.

The singer acknowledges action speaks louder than words, then offers his experience, stating that he can love her better than any other man. He affirms his love for her and invites her to advertise with him, reminding her that he offers love for free. The song expresses the persona's wish to be with the "prety little thing," concluding that he is "hard to handle."

Line by Line Meaning

Baby, here I am,
I'm here, ready and willing.

I'm a man on the scene.
I'm a confident and experienced man.

I can give you what you want But you got to go home with me.
I can offer you what you're looking for, but you need to come home with me to get it.

I've got some good old lovin', and I got some in store.
I have plenty of love to give, both now and in the future.

When I get through throwin' it on you, you got to come back for more.
When I show you how good my love is, you'll want more of it.

Boys and things will come by the dozen, but that ain't nothin' but drugstore lovin'
Other men may try to win you over, but their love is cheap and meaningless.

Pretty little thing, let me light your candle, 'cause mama I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes I am.
I'm a passionate and exciting partner, so let me show you how good it can be.

Action speaks louder than words, And I'm a man with a great experience.
I don't just talk the talk - I have the skills and experience to back it up.

I know you got you another man, but, I can love you better than him.
I know you're taken, but I believe I can offer you a better relationship.

Take my hand, don't be afraid, I wanna prove every word I say.
Trust me and let me show you that I mean what I say.

I advertise love for free, so won't ya Place your ad with me ?
I'm offering my love for free - will you choose me as your partner?

Boys will come a dime by the dozen, but that ain't nothin' but ten-cent love.
Other men may be plentiful, but their love is cheap and worthless.

Pretty little thing, let me light your candle, 'cause mama I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes I am.
I'm confident in my ability to give you a passionate and satisfying experience.

Baby, here I am, I'm a man on the scene.
I'm still here and ready to give you what you need.

I've got some good old lovin', and I got some in store.
I'm still prepared to offer you plenty of love, now and in the future.

When I get through throwin' it on you, you got to come back for more.
If you tried my love once, you'll want to come back for more.

Boys and things will come by the dozen, but that ain't nothin' but drugstore lovin'
Other men may try to lure you in, but their love is only temporary and unfulfilling.

Pretty little thing, let me light your candle, 'cause mama I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes I am.
I'm still confident that I can offer you a passionate and fulfilling experience.

Contributed by London S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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