Skeeter Davis, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, k.d. lang and Loretta Lynn are among those who have influenced Austin.
Tenderly
Sherrié Austin Lyrics
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The day's been grueling in this dusty old town
My body's aching for what you do to me
Tenderly tenderly
Tenderly tenderly
The words are easy when the language is love
My heart is hungry for what you do to me
Tenderly tenderly
Tenderly tenderly
I've had lovers go up in flames
Been with others who've had no names
God I've waited patiently
For someone who really touches me
I feel your fingers and their touch is like fire
Sensations linger then they turn to desire
My body's aching for what you do to me
Tenderly tenderly
Tenderly tenderly
Sherrié Austin's song "Tenderly" is a slow, soulful ballad that speaks to the connection between two people who share a deep intimacy. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and desire for physical affection, while at the same time suggesting that this connection goes beyond the physical. The opening lines describe the end of a tiring day in a dusty town, and set the stage for the kind of intimacy that is both emotionally and physically rejuvenating. The chorus, which repeats the word "tenderly" in a soothing, almost hypnotic way, highlights the gentle, loving nature of the intimacy that the singer seeks.
The second verse takes on a more reflective tone, as the singer describes her past experience with lovers who didn't quite measure up to her expectations. The line "God I've waited patiently / For someone who really touches me" conveys a sense of longing that extends beyond physical touch, suggesting that the singer is seeking a connection that is both deep and meaningful. This theme is echoed in the final verse, as the singer describes the sensation of her lover's touch as "like fire," with sensations that linger and turn into desire.
Overall, "Tenderly" is a powerful expression of the desire for intimacy and connection that is at the heart of human relationships, and a testament to the transformative power of physical touch.
Line by Line Meaning
The air is cooling and the sun's going down
The day is coming to an end, as the sun sets, and the temperature drops.
The day's been grueling in this dusty old town
The day has been tiring and challenging in this uninteresting town.
My body's aching for what you do to me
I am physically longing for your touch and your intimacy.
Tenderly tenderly
You have to treat me with love and kindness.
The words are easy when the language is love
Expressing affection is simple and effortless when in love.
You know exactly what I'm thinking of
You completely understand my thoughts and feelings.
My heart is hungry for what you do to me
I yearn for the love and romance that you bring to my life.
Tenderly tenderly
You have to treat me with love and kindness.
I've had lovers go up in flames
My previous relationships have ended dramatically and catastrophically.
Been with others who've had no names
I have been intimate with some without any real emotional or personal attachment.
God I've waited patiently
I have been waiting patiently for a loving and fulfilling partner.
For someone who really touches me
I have been waiting for someone who truly understands and satisfies my emotional and physical needs.
I feel your fingers and their touch is like fire
Your touch ignites a passionate and intense sensation within me.
Sensations linger then they turn to desire
The sensations created by your touch remain and intensify into a desire for more.
My body's aching for what you do to me
I am physically longing for your touch and your intimacy.
Tenderly tenderly
You have to treat me with love and kindness.
Tenderly tenderly
You have to treat me with love and kindness.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER KEVIN FISHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind