Tenderness
Steppenwolf Lyrics


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She tried to show me hw to love
I bit her lips and bruised her arms
No I hadn't learned Tenderness
She asked "what does love mean to you?"
I grabbed her hair and pulled her down
I looked in her eyes and laughed
The love I feel is hard and fast
It's for a face and for one night
I don't need to own anyone

She said, she said all your women burn in your flame
And as it dies, as it dies, they'll leave you and seek revenge

She laughed and said "You'll go through hell
You'll live in lonely rooms unknown
And watch for my lost Tenderness"
I went from her to someone else and someone else
No, I couldn't be satisfied

She said, she said all you women burn in your flame
And as it dies, as it dies, they'll leave you and seek revenge

I wish that I could find her now
My love is soft, my love is warm




I'd take her to bed tenderly
Yes I'd take her to bed tenderly

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Steppenwolf's song Tenderness are both dark and poignant. The male protagonist of the song appears to be incapable of loving someone tenderly, despite his female partner's attempts to show him how. He describes his love as "hard and fast," for one night only, and not something that he needs to own. Instead of responding with tenderness, he responds with violence, biting her lips and bruising her arms. His partner warns him that all of his women will eventually leave him and seek revenge for the way he has treated them.


The male protagonist of Tenderness is clearly struggling with intimacy and is unable to connect with his partner through tender affection. He is aggressive and violent towards her, attempting to dominate her physically instead of showing her love and tenderness. His partner clearly sees through his facade and warns him that he will be left alone and unfulfilled unless he can find tenderness within himself. Towards the end of the song, the male protagonist expresses regret for his behavior and longs for the woman who showed him tenderness.


This song is a commentary on toxic masculinity and the ways in which it can damage both men and women. The male protagonist's inability to show tenderness is presented as a character flaw that leads to loneliness and dissatisfaction. The song is a reminder that true intimacy requires mutual respect and tenderness, and that aggression and violence are not a substitute for emotional connection.


Line by Line Meaning

She tried to show me hw to love
She attempted to teach me how to love.


I bit her lips and bruised her arms
I hurt her physically by biting her lips and bruising her arms.


No I hadn't learned Tenderness
I was not capable of showing tenderness in a relationship.


She asked "what does love mean to you?"
She inquired about my definition of love.


I grabbed her hair and pulled her down
I physically overpowered her by grabbing her hair and pulling her down.


I looked in her eyes and laughed
I was being cynical and mocking while looking into her eyes.


The love I feel is hard and fast
The romantic feelings I have are intense and brief.


It's for a face and for one night
I am only interested in physical appearance and temporary relationships.


I don't need to own anyone
I have no desire to possess or control anyone.


She said, she said all your women burn in your flame And as it dies, as it dies, they'll leave you and seek revenge
She warned me that all the women I have been with would eventually leave me and hold resentment towards me.


She laughed and said "You'll go through hell You'll live in lonely rooms unknown And watch for my lost Tenderness"
She laughed at my lack of ability to show tenderness and predicted that I would suffer through loneliness and longing for her warmth and love.


I went from her to someone else and someone else No, I couldn't be satisfied
I kept moving on to new relationships even after her, but could not find satisfaction.


I wish that I could find her now My love is soft, my love is warm I'd take her to bed tenderly Yes I'd take her to bed tenderly
I now realize the error of my ways and wish I could find her again to express my newfound ability to show tenderness and love, which is gentle and warm.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MARS BONFIRE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ronaldgoebel2174

This band is so underrated and should be in the hall of fame easily. What great music they made.

@michaelhunter6202

I love the way they put their heart and soul into their music.

@vincekloss5802

Superbly done ... Thank you John and the boys of Steppenwolf.

@ronaldgoebel2174

For Ladies Only was the bad ass album of the 70's for all us stoners. Greatest band of all time.

@whispjohn

This band played at a festival in England in 1970, it still remains as a memory burned into my being. They were on the money that night,a fabulous show and there were loads of great bands at that 3 day party at Shepton Mallet showground.

@tonypazos5030

Played this song in high school rock band. Time went on, married , job , most sweet wife and I had daughter. Now I am age 60. I still play my classical guitar and remember this song. My life dedicated to education in health but I so long to create something for my self as an artist. Love this music it inspires me to paint again sing dance

@JF-Sebastian

I love this song. Thanks for uploading this and all the other Steppenwolf songs.

@guzziguy1000

Some intense lyrics from one of my favored albums. Take a close listen if you haven't already.

@davidayotte5589

Yep, still my favorite band.. a year later and I'm the only one commenting.. always the best lyrics and the music accompaniment is top notch

@RichardBowman-uf8ym

My favourite band

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