Otis Redding, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long | Throwback Vibez

In the 49th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” by Otis Redding.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. . In the 49^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” performed by Otis Redding.

“I’ve been loving you too long to stop now / You are tired, and you want to be free / My love is growing stronger as you become a habit to me.” Oh, snap, Otis Redding (1941 – 1967). The short-lived, legendary soul musician delivered a surefire classic with “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long”, sometimes named “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)”. “I’ve Been Loving You…” is the fifth track from the 1965 album Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul. Redding penned this classic soul joint alongside another soul icon, Jerry Butler (1939 – 2025). “Loving” peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, what makes “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” the sugar honey iced tea? First and foremost, it is the soulful vocal performance by Otis Redding. He sings with incredible authenticity, coming off as sincere to the nth degree. Of course, his and Butler’s songwriting exemplifies the chef’s kiss. “With you, my life has been so wonderful / I can’t stop now,” he sings, adding, “My love is growing stronger as our affair, affair grows old / I’ve been loving you, oh too long / To stop now.” Beyond the vocals and songwriting, the musical accompaniment is brilliant from the rhythm section (keys, guitar, bass, drums) to the accented horns that add a mean punch. Set in a lilting compound duple meter, the musical underpinnings are strong, including the harmonic progression.  Additionally, there is a key change.  Coolly executed initially, the intensity picks up after the modulation with the ending proving to be utterly sensational.  “I love you, I love you, I love you with all my heart / And I can’t stop now,” Redding sings, pleading, “Please, please, please don’t make me stop now.” “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” will always be one of the best songs from Mr. Redding’s legendary, unforgettable catalog. 

Otis Redding // Otis Blue: Otis Redding Sings Soul // Atlantic Recording Corp. / Rhino Entertainment Company  // 1965

Otis Redding, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 49 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Atlantic Recording Corp. / Rhino Entertainment Company; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]