The Temptations: A Chivalric Anthem in “Treat Her Like a Lady”
The Temptations’ “Treat Her Like a Lady” is more than just a song; it is a timeless declaration of respect, chivalry, and the enduring power of love. Released in 1984, it marked a resurgence for the legendary group, demonstrating their ability to remain relevant while staying true to their soulful roots.
Background
The song’s core message is as potent today as it was upon its release: women deserve to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity. In an era where societal attitudes towards women were undergoing significant shifts, “Treat Her Like a Lady” offered a refreshing and empowering perspective. The Temptations’ harmonious vocals, rich with emotion and conviction, transformed this message into a soulful anthem that resonated with audiences of all ages.
Beyond its social significance, the song is a testament to the group’s enduring musical prowess. The production, a blend of contemporary R&B and classic Motown elements, created a sophisticated and infectious groove. The Temptations’ vocal interplay, a hallmark of their sound, reached new heights in this song, with each member contributing to the overall richness and complexity of the arrangement.
“Treat Her Like a Lady” is more than just a catchy tune; it is a call to action, a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect. The Temptations’ enduring popularity is a testament to their ability to create music that not only entertains but also inspires and uplifts.
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Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Treat her like a ladyHey, hey, heyInstrumentalOoh-ooh-oh-ooh-oh-oohOoh-ooh-oh-oohOoh, yeah, babyWhoa-whoa-oh-ohMmmNow I-m the kinda guy who don’t believeThat chivalry is dead, no‘Cause I believe a woman should be treatedWith the utmost respect, mmm-hmm-Don’t be afraid, don’t turn and walk awayI wanna get to know ya, wellDon’t be ashamed, don’t say that love’s to blameJust come and look me overYou’ll find a heart that you’ve always been lookin’ forHow could anybody ask for much more, woo-hoo-Now I like openin’ doorsPickin’ up (Yeah) her hanky (Yeah) off the floorTreat her like a ladyLight her cigarette if she smokesEven (Help her with her coat) wellTreat her like a ladyIn this world of liberationIt’s so easy to forget, mmm-That it’s so nice to have a man aroundTo lend a helping hand, you can bet, bet you can, babyWhen I was young, my mama used to say, boyA woman’s like a flower, with love on her you showerEver since that day, her words never went awayI always will remember to treat my baby tenderYou’ll find a heart that you’ve always been lookin’ forHow could anybody ask for much more, whoa-ooh-ooh-Now I like openin’ doorsPickin’ up (Yeah) her hanky off the floorTreat her like a ladyLight her cigarette if she smokesEven help her with her coatTreat her like a ladyCompliment her on her hairEven help her with her chairTreat her like a ladyShe’s a bad son-of-a-gunI’m her lovin’ Don JuanTreat her like a ladyOoh-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-ooh-Whoa-oh-oh-Hey-hey-Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-babyEvery day, ever wayHey, heyHey, hey, hey, hey, hey