Hard to Handle
Otis Redding Lyrics

Baby
Addressing the woman of interest

Here I am
Presenting himself as an option

I'm the man on the scene
Confidently asserting himself as a desirable choice

I can give you what you want
Claiming to be able to fulfill her desires

But you got to go home with me
Stating her part in the deal, either committing or rejecting

I forgot some good old lovin'
Acknowledging his past failures to maintain a loving relationship

And I got some in store
Promising that he has changed and improved

When I get to throwin' it on you
When he starts showing his affection

You got to come back for more
Imagining her enjoying his love and wanting more

Boys and things that come by the dozen
Referencing other men who may try to woo her

That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Suggesting that those men are insincere and offer only cheap, temporary affection

Pretty little thing, let me light your candle
Flattering her appearance and suggesting that he can provide pleasure

Cause mama I'm sure hard to handle, now, gets around
Boasting about his sexual prowess and popularity with women

Action speaks louder than words
Emphasizing that he can prove his love through his actions

And I'm a man with a great experience
Asserting that he has had successful relationships before

I know you got you another man
Acknowledging that she may have a current partner

But I can love you better than him
Promising that he can provide her with a better experience than her current partner

Take my hand, don't be afraid
Inviting her to trust him and take a risk

I wanna prove every word I say
Reiterating his sincerity and dedication

I'm advertisin' love for free
Stating that he is willing to give his love without asking for anything in return

So, won't you place your ad with me
Asking her to consider him as a serious candidate for a relationship

Boys will come a dime by the dozen
Repeating his earlier line about other men trying to win her over

But that ain't nothin' but ten cent love
Reinforcing the idea that he can offer her a more valuable, lasting relationship

Give it to me
Demanding her affection

I got to have it
Stressing his need for her love

Give me some good 'ole lovin'
Requesting genuine, committed love from her

Some of your good lovin'
Adding more specificity to his request