Every day I try my best to get ahead
You criticize, but why can't you be kind instead?
I try so hard to keep you fully satisfied
There's not a thing
There's not a wish that I deny

The weight of everything's about to fall on me
(Fallin' down on me)
So, baby, can't you be right there to comfort me?
Baby, what you need's a change of attitude
Try some lovin'
Appreciate the things I do
That's all I need from you

A little tenderness is all I need
Just a little tenderness to put my soul at ease
A simple touch and a friendly word in my hour of need
A little tenderness, baby, if you please

Once you couldn't wait till I came home at night
You'd make it better with a kiss, you'd make it right
Understanding is the cure to ease my pain
So much tension
You could help me make it through
Like you used to do

A little tenderness is all I need
Just a little tenderness to put my soul at ease
A simple touch and a friendly word in my hour of need
A little tenderness, baby, if you please

A little tenderness when I'm feeling blue
Just a little tenderness makes me feel brand new
A simple touch and a friendly word in my hour of need
A little tenderness, baby, if you please

You used to make me feel alive
(Bring it on back, bring it on back)
Oh, will you bring that feeling home to me?
(Bring it on home to me)
No harsh words, no bad thoughts for me
Just a little TLC, that's all I need
(That's all I need)

A little tenderness is all I need
(A little tenderness)
(Won't take much, just a little touch)
(A simple touch and a friendly word)
(A little tenderness)

A little tenderness is all I need
(A little tenderness)
Just a little caress
(Just a little tenderness)
A little tenderness
A simple touch and a friendly word in my hour of need
A little tenderness is all I need

(A little tenderness)
A little tenderness
(A little tenderness)
(A little tenderness)
(A little tenderness)
That's all I needed
(A little tenderness)
A little tenderness
(A little tenderness)
That's all I needed
(A little tenderness)