About the Song
In the vast landscape of soul music, where passion and emotion reign supreme, The Temptations’ 1984 single, “Treat Her Like a Lady,” stands out as a timeless anthem of respect and chivalry. This smooth and sophisticated ballad, featuring the smooth vocals of Ali-Ollie Woodson, marked a revitalization for the group and continues to resonate with listeners today.
A Change of Direction: By the early 1980s, The Temptations were facing a changing musical landscape. Their signature Motown sound had evolved, and the group sought to recapture their earlier success. “Treat Her Like a Lady” marked a turning point, showcasing a more contemporary R&B sound while staying true to the group’s core values of love and respect.
Respectful Romance: The song’s message is clear and direct: treat a woman with respect and kindness. Woodson’s gentle vocals deliver lyrics that paint a picture of a loving relationship built on trust and understanding. Lines like “There’s no need to fight, no need to scream / There’s a better way to let your feelings gleam” promote healthy communication and respect as the cornerstones of love.
A Touch of Sophistication: “Treat Her Like a Lady” isn’t just about the lyrics; it’s about the overall mood. The sophisticated arrangement, featuring a smooth melody, soulful backing vocals, and a touch of synthesizers, creates a romantic and elegant soundscape. This adds a layer of maturity to the song, appealing to a broader audience beyond teenagers experiencing first love.
A Legacy of Respect: “Treat Her Like a Lady” became a huge hit for The Temptations, reaching number 2 on the R&B charts. More importantly, the song’s message of respect resonated with fans, becoming an anthem for a generation seeking positive and healthy relationships. It has been covered by countless artists throughout the years, a testament to its enduring appeal.
A Timeless Classic: Today, “Treat Her Like a Lady” remains a cornerstone of The Temptations’ vast catalog. Its message of respect and chivalry transcends generations, reminding listeners of the importance of treating a partner with kindness and understanding. Whether it’s a slow dance at a wedding or a cruise down memory lane for longtime fans, “Treat Her Like a Lady” continues to be a song that captures the essence of love and respect.
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Lyrics: Treat Her Like A Lady
Treat her like a lady
Now I’m the kinda guy who don’t believe that chivalry is dead, no
‘Cause I believe a woman should be treated with the utmost respect
Don’t be afraid, don’t turn and walk away, I wanna get to know ya, well
Don’t be ashamed, don’t say that love’s to blame, just come and look me over(You’ll find a heart)
You’ll find a heart that you’ve always been lookin’ for
How could anybody ask for much more, more, more, moreNow I like openin’ doors pickin’ up her hanky off the floor
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
Light her cigarette if she smokes, even (help her with her coat), well
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
In this world of liberation it’s so easy to forget
That it’s so nice to have a man around to lend a helping hand you can bet, bet you can, babyWhen I was young, my mama used to say, boy
A woman’s like a flower, with love on her you shower
Ever since that day, her words never went away
I always will remember to treat my baby tender(You’ll find a heart)
You’ll find a heart that you’ve always been lookin’ for
How could anybody ask for much more, more, more, moreNow I like openin’ doors pickin’ up her hanky off the floor
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
Light her cigarette if she smokes, even (help her with her coat)
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
Compliment her on her hair, even help her with her chair
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
She’s a bad son-of-a-gun, I’m her lovin’ Don Juan
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)Every day, ever way
Hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey(You’ll find a heart)
You’ll find a heart that you’ve always been lookin’ for
How could anybody ask for much more, more, more, moreNow I like openin’ doors pickin’ up her hanky off the floor
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
Light her cigarette if she smokes, even (help her with her coat), help her out
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
Compliment her on her hair, even help her with her chair
Treat her like a lady (treat her like lady)
Now boy, you should remember to be a gentleman
Treat her like a ladyYou better
Treat her like (well), treat her like (ho)
Treat her like a lady (treat her like a lady)
Treat her like, treat her like (hey)
Treat her like a lady (treat her like a lady)
Treat her like, treat her like (well)
Treat her like a lady (treat her like a lady)
Treat her like, treat her like (ooh)
Treat her like a lady
(Oh, my, my, treat her like a lady)