Actually a country and rock vocalist rather than an R&B star, Roy Head neve… Read Full Bio ↴Actually a country and rock vocalist rather than an R&B star, Roy Head nevertheless cut one of the great pieces of uptempo soul in the mid-'60s. "Treat Her Right" on Back Beat made it to number two on the R&B charts and number two pop, and the fact that Head was white was soft-pedaled in R&B circles while the song made its way up the charts. That performance alone was enough to qualify Head as one of the finest blue-eyed soul singers of the 1960s. But in fact, Roy was one of the most versatile stylists of the era, capable of hard R&B/rock tunes (even cutting material with a pre-fame Johnny Winter on backup guitar); mournful, soul-tinged country; and straight R&B and blues covers. Head was also an excellent entertainer, and his live shows of the period even included some fancy footwork clearly under the influence of James Brown.

The Texan singer is remembered as a one-shot artist, but he actually cut many records (some under the auspices of noted producer Huey Meaux) throughout the 1960s on a confusing variety of labels. A few of these were tiny hits in the wake of "Treat Her Right," with only a couple ("Just a Little Bit" and "Apple of My Eye") sneaking into the Top 40. Quite a few of his records were dynamic, sleek hybrids (in varying degrees) of soul, rock, and country, all featuring Head's cocky, confident vocals. In a sense, though, he was damned by his versatility, not fitting comfortably into any niche or marketing plan; in any case, the tiny labels he recorded for lacked national promotional muscle. In the 1970s, after several years without success in the rock or R&B fields, Head returned to country, and landed quite a few chart hits in the arena between 1974 and 1985. Head reunited with his original band the Traits for shows in 2001 and 2007 and continued to play select gigs throughout the 21st century's first decade.

Treat Her Right
Roy Head & The Traits Lyrics

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Yeah, my man
Hey!
Ah, you're lookin' good, baby

I want to tell you a story
Every man oughta know
If you want some good lovin'
You gotta start real slow

She's gonna love you tonight
Now if you just treat her right

Oh, squeeze her real gentle
Got to make her feel good
Got to tell her that you love her
Like you know you should
If you don't treat her right
She won't love you tonight

Now if you practice my method
A-hard as you can
You're gonna get a reputation
As a lovin' man
And you'll be glad every night
That you treated her right

Hey, hey, hey
Alright
Hell yeah
Every night
Hey
Alright
Hey
Hey-hey!
Hey

Hey

If you practice my method
I said as hard as you can
You're gonna get a reputation
As a lovin' man
And you'll be glad every night
That you treated her right, hit me man

Hey, hey, hey
Alright
Hell yeah
Every night
Hey, hey
Hey, hey
Hey, one more again

Hey, hey, hey
Hey
Every night

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Treat Her Right" by Roy Head & The Traits are a love lesson from a man to his fellow men. The singer of the song is telling his friend that if he wants to have good loving from his woman, he needs to treat her right. He gives practical advice like starting slow and gentle, making her feel good, expressing love sincerely, and treating her with respect. The repetition of "If you don't treat her right, she won't love you tonight" emphasizes the importance of the message of the song.

The lyrics of "Treat Her Right" are straightforward, and the intended audience is clear, i.e., men who are interested in having a positive and fulfilling romantic relationship. The song comes from a time when gender roles were more rigidly defined, and it may appear too prescriptive from a modern perspective. However, the song's message of treating someone with love, respect, and care is timeless, and can apply to anyone regardless of their gender.

Treat Her RightRoy Head & The Traits Lyrics

Treat Her Right
Roy Head & The Traits Lyrics