Otis Redding

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Pain in my heart, she's treating me cold
Where can my baby be? Lord, no one knows
Pain in my heart just won't let me sleep
Where can my baby be? Lord, where can she be?

[Refrain]
Another day has began to get tough
Said I want you to come back, come back, come back, baby
Till I had enough, oh

[Verse 2]
A little pain in my heart just won't let me be
I wake up at restless nights, Lord, and I can't even sleep
Mmm hmm, yeah

[Refrain]
Another day has began to get rough
Said I want you to love me, love me, love me, baby
Until I get enough, oh

[Outro]
Pain in my heart
A little pain in my heart
Stop this little pain in my heart
Stop this little pain in my heart
Someone stop this pain
Someone stop this pain, oh

When it comes to soul music, few artists are as synonymous with the genre as Otis Redding. Known for his powerful and emotive vocals, Redding is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers of all time. Of all the songs in Redding's discography, few are as beloved as "Pain In My Heart," a timeless classic that speaks directly to the human experience.

About Pain In My Heart

"Pain In My Heart" was released in 1963 as the A-side of a single that included "Something Is Worrying Me" on the B-side. The song was written by Allen Toussaint and Naomi Neville, and produced by Jim Stewart and Steve Cropper. From the very first notes, it's clear that "Pain In My Heart" is something special. Redding's voice drips with raw emotion as he sings about the unbearable pain of heartbreak.

The song's instrumentation is stripped down to the essentials, with a simple drum beat, bass line, and guitar riff providing a solid foundation for Redding's vocals. It's a testament to Redding's talent that he is able to command the listener's attention with such a restrained arrangement.

"Pain In My Heart" was a hit in its own right, but it also helped to establish Otis Redding as a major force in the music industry. The song was just the beginning of a legendary career that would see Redding become one of the most iconic soul singers of all time.

For many, "Pain In My Heart" holds a special place in their hearts thanks to its timeless message of heartbreak. Whether you're going through a difficult breakup or simply feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, this song speaks directly to the pain that we all experience at some point in our lives.

It's no wonder that "Pain In My Heart" has been covered by countless artists over the years, with everyone from The Rolling Stones to Green Day putting their own spin on the classic tune. But for many, there will only ever be one version of this song that truly captures the raw emotion and power of Redding's voice.

Perplexity and Burstiness

There are few songs that capture the emotional complexity of human relationships quite like "Pain In My Heart." With its heart-wrenching lyrics and soulful vocals, the song manages to convey a sense of despair and longing that is both powerful and relatable.

At its core, "Pain In My Heart" is a song about the end of a relationship and the painful emotions that come with it. Redding's voice is filled with raw anguish as he sings about how he can't stop thinking about his former lover, even though he knows that they are never getting back together.

There is a sense of desperation in Redding's voice that makes the listener feel as though they are right there with him, experiencing every painful moment of heartbreak. This sense of intimacy is heightened by the song's understated instrumentation, which allows Redding's vocals to take center stage.

Despite its melancholic subject matter, there is also a sense of hopefulness in "Pain In My Heart." Even though Redding knows that he's never getting back together with his former lover, he still holds out hope that he'll find someone new who will make him happy. This bittersweet message is what makes the song such a powerful emotional experience.

Why "Pain In My Heart" Is a Classic

There are many reasons why "Pain In My Heart" has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic to this day. For one, there's the power of Redding's voice. His emotive vocals convey a sense of pain and longing that is impossible to ignore.

But the song's enduring appeal also comes from its relatable subject matter. Heartbreak is a universal experience, and "Pain In My Heart" speaks directly to the pain that we all feel when a relationship comes to an end.

But "Pain In My Heart" is more than just a sad breakup song. There is a sense of strength and resilience in Redding's vocals that makes the listener feel as though they can overcome even the most difficult of life's challenges. This message of hope is what has helped to make the song a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Ultimately, "Pain In My Heart" is a song that captures the full spectrum of human emotion. From raw pain and heartbreak to hope and resilience, this classic tune remains a testament to the power of music to help us navigate the complexity of the human experience.

• Release Date: 1964
• Artist: Otis Redding