This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Baby here I am, I'm the man on the scene
I can give you what you want
But you got to come home with me
I've got some good old lovin'
And I got some more in store
When I get through throwin' it on you
You got to come back for more
Boys and things that come by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Action speaks louder than words
And I'm a man of great experience
I know you got another man
But I can love you better than him
Take my hand, don't be afraid
I'm gonna prove every word I say
I'm advertisin' love for free
So you can place your ad with me
Boys come along a dime by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Oh, yes, I am
Oh, baby
Ohh
Baby, here I am
I'm the man on your scene
I can give you what you want
But you got to come home with me
I've got some good old lovin'
And I got some more in store
When I get through throwin' it on you
You got to come back for more
Boys and things that come by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Oh, yes, I am
Oh
Won't you take it out, take it out, take it out
Boys and things that come by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Oh, hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Oh, baby, oh
Oh, baby, oh
I can give you what you want
But you got to come home with me
I've got some good old lovin'
And I got some more in store
When I get through throwin' it on you
You got to come back for more
Boys and things that come by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Action speaks louder than words
And I'm a man of great experience
I know you got another man
But I can love you better than him
Take my hand, don't be afraid
I'm gonna prove every word I say
I'm advertisin' love for free
So you can place your ad with me
Boys come along a dime by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Oh, yes, I am
Oh, baby
Ohh
Baby, here I am
I'm the man on your scene
I can give you what you want
But you got to come home with me
I've got some good old lovin'
And I got some more in store
When I get through throwin' it on you
You got to come back for more
Boys and things that come by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Oh, yes, I am
Oh
Won't you take it out, take it out, take it out
Boys and things that come by the dozen
That ain't nothin' but drug store lovin'
Oh, hey little thing, let me light your candle
'Cause, mama, I'm sure hard to handle, now, yes sir'am
Oh, baby, oh
Oh, baby, oh
Lyrics submitted by IllToast2That
Hard to Handle Lyrics as written by Alvertis Isbell Otis Redding
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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He covered Otis. There should be a law against such atrocities. Really like this artist, but there are some artists who cannot be topped. Al Green and a handful of others are on that list.