Redding was born in Dawson, Georgia, and at the age of 2, moved to Macon, Georgia. Redding quit school at age 15 to support his family, working with Little Richard's backing band, the Upsetters, and by performing in talent shows at the historic Douglass Theatre in Macon. In 1958, he joined Johnny Jenkins's band, the Pinetoppers, with whom he toured the Southern states as a singer and driver. An unscheduled appearance on a Stax recording session led to a contract and his first single, "These Arms of Mine", in 1962.
Stax released Redding's debut album, Pain in My Heart, two years later. Initially popular mainly with African-Americans, Redding later reached a wider American pop music audience. Along with his group, he first played small gigs in the American South. He later performed at the popular Los Angeles night club Whisky a Go Go and toured Europe, performing in London, Paris and other major cities. He also performed at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.
Shortly before his death in a plane crash, Redding wrote and recorded his iconic "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" with Steve Cropper. The song became the first posthumous number-one record on both the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The album The Dock of the Bay was the first posthumous album to reach number one on the UK Albums Chart. Redding's premature death devastated Stax. Already on the verge of bankruptcy, the label soon discovered that the Atco division of Atlantic Records owned the rights to his entire song catalog.
Redding received many posthumous accolades, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition to "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," "Respect" and "Try a Little Tenderness" are among his best-known songs.
Redding has been called the "King of Soul", an honorific also given to Brown and Cooke. He remains one of the genre's most recognized artists. His lean and powerful style exemplified the Stax sound; he was said to be "the heart and soul of Stax", while artists such as Al Jackson, Dunn and Cropper helped to expand its structure. His open-throated singing, the tremolo/vibrato, the manic, electrifying stage performances and perceived honesty were particular hallmarks, along with the use of interjections (such as "gotta, gotta, gotta"), some of which came from Cooke. Producer Stewart thought the "begging singing" was stress-induced and enhanced by Redding's shyness.
Artists from many genres have named Redding as a musical influence. George Harrison called "Respect" an inspiration for "Drive My Car". The Rolling Stones also mentioned Redding as a major influence. Other artists influenced by Redding include Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Doors, and virtually every soul and R&B musician from the early years, such as Al Green, Etta James, William Bell, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye and Conley. Janis Joplin was influenced by his singing style, according to Sam Andrew, a guitarist in her band Big Brother and the Holding Company. She stated that she learned "to push a song instead of just sliding over it" after hearing Redding.
The Bee Gees' Barry Gibb and Robin Gibb wrote the song "To Love Somebody" for him to record. He loved it, and he was going to "cut it", as Barry put it, on his return from his final concert. They dedicated the song to his memory.
Amen
Otis Redding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, with the horns, now
Amen, with the rhythm, now
A-Amen, A-Amen
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, everybody, now
A-Amen, A-Amen
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, he let me tell you
I'm gonna let it shine
This little life of mine
I'm gonna let it shine, yeah, yeah
This little life of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine
To show my love
One thing my papa used to say he said that
Even in my home son, I said what dad
I'm gonna let it shine, let me tell you
Said even in your home son
You got to let your little light shine, yeah huh
Even in your home son, ha
You got to let it shine
Just let it shine, just let it shine
To show your love
And then I said daddy help me sing this line one time
A-Amen, will you help me
A-Amen, huh, with a feeling
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, everybody together now
A-Amen, little louder now
A-Amen, everybody say
A-Amen, Amen, Amen
Amen
The song "Amen" by Otis Redding is a gospel-inspired track that encourages listeners to let their light shine and show their love. The repeated use of the word "Amen" is common in gospel music and is used as a way of expressing agreement or affirmation. The song begins with a declaration of "Amen" and encourages the use of horns and rhythm to further emphasize the message.
As the song progresses, Redding sings about the importance of letting one's life shine and showing love. He recalls his father's advice that even in the home, one must let their light shine. The message is clear - it is essential to let one's inner light shine for all to see in order to spread love and positivity.
In the chorus, Redding asks for the listeners' participation, calling for them to join him in singing "Amen" with feeling. The repetition of this word, along with the horns and rhythm, creates a powerful and uplifting atmosphere, allowing the song to fully embody the gospel spirit.
Overall, "Amen" is a song of encouragement and positivity, reminding listeners to let their light shine and show their love. The gospel elements add to the message, creating a powerful and uplifting piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Amen, uh, A-Amen, uh
Starting with a declaration of Amen, emphasizing on the importance of the word through repetition
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, with the horns, now
Furthering the declaration of Amen, with its musical accompaniment
Amen, with the rhythm, now
Declaring that the rhythm of the music should also be in sync with the Amen
A-Amen, A-Amen
Continuing to emphasize on the importance of the word Amen through repetition
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, everybody, now
Encouraging everyone to participate in the repetition and declaration of Amen
A-Amen, A-Amen
Continuing with the emphasis on Amen
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, he let me tell you
Concluding the musical introduction and beginning to relay a personal message
This little life of mine
Referring to the singer's life
I'm gonna let it shine
Expressing the intention to showcase and put forth one's own life and personality
This little life of mine
Reiteration of the singer's intention
I'm gonna let it shine, yeah, yeah
Further emphasizing the intention
This little life of mine
Repeating the thought to emphasize on the idea
I'm gonna let it shine
Restating the intention
Let it shine, let it shine
Encouraging the listener to also let their own life shine
To show my love
Concluding the thought by expressing that one's personality will be showcased to demonstrate their love
One thing my papa used to say he said that
Beginning a new anecdote relaying the wisdom of the singer's father
Even in my home son, I said what dad
Quoting the father's words to say that the son's light should shine even when at home
I'm gonna let it shine, let me tell you
Emphasizing the father's words by repeating them and reiterating the singer's intention
Said even in your home son
Repeating the father's words
You got to let your little light shine, yeah huh
Explaining the father's words by saying that even at home one must showcase their personality
Even in your home son, ha
Repeating the father's words to emphasize on the idea
You got to let it shine
Restating the father's words in simpler terms
Just let it shine, just let it shine
Encouraging the listener to also put forth their personality and let it shine
To show your love
Concluding the anecdote by saying that the reason to showcase one's personality is to demonstrate their love
And then I said daddy help me sing this line one time
Asking for the father's help to sing a particular line
A-Amen, will you help me
Starting the requested line by asking for the listener's help
A-Amen, huh, with a feeling
Asking for the listener's help in repeating the word Amen with emotion
A-Amen, Amen, Amen, everybody together now
Encouraging everyone collectively to say Amen with the singer
A-Amen, little louder now
Requesting everyone to say Amen a little louder than before
A-Amen, everybody say
Encouraging everyone to continue saying Amen along with the singer
A-Amen, Amen, Amen
Concluding the song with a final repetition and emphasis on the word Amen
Amen
Final declaration of the single word that the entire song celebrates
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: SACKS, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PCSMR
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
sing it over
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
See the little baby
Wrapped in a manger on Christmas morning
See him in the Temple
Talking with the elders
Who marvel at his wisdom
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
Hallelujah
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
Down at the Jordan
John was baptizing and saving all sinners
See him at the seaside
Talking with the fisherman
And making them disciples
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
Keep on pushin now
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
Hallelujah now
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
@tinashechitiyo6353
My Daddy's fav, he would sing it at almost every function we had as a family. Though he loved ALLLLL of Otis's songs. Well l ain't shy to say he passed on the good taste of soul music onto me, enjoying alone at 3.34 am.
@noahvsolis
You are a beautiful person! Lucky to have such a good dad!
@andrewsantiago5233
This is the very first song I played for each of my kids as babies. Nobody better than Otis to introduce them to music!
@MickeysCorner
You gave them soul on day one.
@yasminegr
Only Otis can sing a song with only word, and give endless meanings to it...
@soulkiss1001
It only means “so be it” that’s it plus their is more than one word such as “ this little light of mine, my pappi used to say you gotta let your love for shine and show your love” what a feeling everybody
@2GleanFromHisWord
🙌 My grandson sings this song all the time. When he wakes up, throughout the day and even bedtime. I love this song.He is only 19 months.
@Nyack101
he makes an entire song sound good singing 1 word. Legend! Doesn't get enough praise
@minnierose15
Amen!!!! remembering you today 48 years ago today was the day before our father god called you home,rest in peace thanks for all the great music that you left for all the generations to come.
@johnlick8775
Irene Camarena and he is always there for us