A Shift in Sound
By the mid-1980s, The Temptations had been in the music business for over two decades, evolving through various musical phases. With changing line-ups and shifts in popular music, they had to keep up with new sounds while staying true to their roots. “Treat Her Like A Lady,” released as part of their 1984 album Truly for You, marked a significant moment for the group. The song came during a period of revitalization, partly driven by new members like Ali-Ollie Woodson, who co-wrote and performed the lead vocals on this track.
“Treat Her Like A Lady” demonstrated the group’s ability to remain relevant in a rapidly changing musical landscape. The song’s production embraced the sounds of the 1980s, with a slicker, more modern sound compared to the grittier soul of their earlier hits. The influence of funk and contemporary R&B is clear, with its upbeat rhythm, electric guitar riffs, and polished vocals. However, despite these new elements, the heart of The Temptations—their signature harmonies and timeless messages—remained at the core of the song.
The Message of Respect and Empowerment
What makes “Treat Her Like A Lady” particularly special is its lyrical content. In a time when gender roles and relationships were being re-examined, the song struck a chord with listeners for promoting respect toward women. The lyrics speak to the idea of treating women with kindness, dignity, and care—values that were sometimes missing in popular music then and even now.
The song begins with the line, “Now I’m the kind of guy who don’t believe that chivalry is dead,” immediately setting the tone for a narrative focused on old-school manners and respect. In many ways, “Treat Her Like A Lady” reasserts values that seem to have been forgotten or taken for granted in the modern world. The protagonist in the song isn’t simply talking about winning a woman’s affection; he’s talking about valuing her as a person, respecting her opinions, and treating her with the utmost care.
This sentiment contrasts with many of the more objectifying messages present in some 1980s and 1990s pop and R&B music. At a time when love songs often emphasized physical attraction or transactional relationships, “Treat Her Like A Lady” stands out for its emphasis on mutual respect, understanding, and emotional support. This made it a refreshing anthem of love and partnership, elevating the message beyond mere romance to something more profound and universal.
Ali-Ollie Woodson: A New Era for The Temptations
The success of “Treat Her Like A Lady” can largely be credited to Ali-Ollie Woodson, who not only co-wrote the song but also sang the lead vocals. Woodson joined The Temptations in the early 1980s, replacing Dennis Edwards. His powerful voice and commanding stage presence breathed new life into the group, which had seen some turbulence in previous years due to frequent lineup changes.
Woodson’s soulful and impassioned delivery on “Treat Her Like A Lady” is one of the reasons the song became such a hit. His voice is rich and filled with the kind of charisma that demands attention, helping to propel the song up the charts and into the hearts of fans. His contribution to the group was significant not just in terms of vocal talent but also in songwriting, as he helped The Temptations navigate a new musical landscape while staying true to their legacy.
The Temptations’ Legacy and Impact
“Treat Her Like A Lady” was a commercial success, reaching number two on the Billboard R&B chart and breaking into the Hot 100. But beyond its chart success, the song reaffirmed The Temptations’ relevance in a new era of music. It showed that the group, despite lineup changes and evolving sounds, could still create music that resonated with both their longtime fans and a new generation of listeners.
The Temptations have always been known for their ability to adapt while maintaining a clear sense of who they are as artists. From their beginnings in the 1960s with smooth doo-wop harmonies and classic soul sounds, through the socially conscious funk of the 1970s, to their reinvention in the 1980s, The Temptations have remained a dynamic and vital force in American music. “Treat Her Like A Lady” is a testament to their versatility and their commitment to crafting music with a message.
Conclusion
“Treat Her Like A Lady” remains one of The Temptations’ most beloved songs, not only for its infectious melody and smooth production but also for the depth of its message. At its core, the song is a reminder of the importance of respect in relationships, urging listeners to treat their partners with care, dignity, and kindness.
In a world where popular music often focuses on fleeting emotions or surface-level attraction, “Treat Her Like A Lady” stands out for its emphasis on the values that form the foundation of any strong relationship. It is a song that speaks to the timeless need for respect and love, both in personal relationships and society as a whole. Even decades after its release, the song’s message remains as relevant as ever, making it a classic that continues to inspire and uplift audiences around the world.
Video
Lyrics
Treat her like a lady
Hey, hey, hey
Instrumental
Ooh-ooh-oh-ooh-oh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-oh-ooh
Ooh, yeah, baby
Whoa-whoa-oh-oh
Mmm
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, mmm-hmm-
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 that you’ve always been lookin’ for
How could anybody ask for much more, woo-hoo-
Now I like openin’ doors
Pickin’ up (Yeah) her hanky (Yeah) off the floor
Treat her like a lady
Light her cigarette if she smokes
Even (Help her with her coat) well
Treat her like a lady
In this world of liberation
It’s so easy to forget, mmm-
That it’s so nice to have a man around
To lend a helping hand, you can bet, bet you can, baby
When 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 that you’ve always been lookin’ for
How could anybody ask for much more, whoa-ooh-ooh-
Now I like openin’ doors
Pickin’ up (Yeah) her hanky off the floor
Treat her like a lady
Light her cigarette if she smokes
Even help her with her coat
Treat her like a lady
Compliment her on her hair
Even help her with her chair
Treat her like a lady
She’s a bad son-of-a-gun
I’m her lovin’ Don Juan
Treat her like a lady
Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-ooh-
Whoa-oh-oh-
Hey-hey-
Whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-baby
Every day, ever way
Hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey
You’ll find a heart that you’ve always been lookin’ for
How could anybody ask for much more, whoa-whoa-oh-ooh-
Now I like openin’ doors
Pickin’ up her hanky off the floor
Treat her like a lady
Light her cigarette if she smokes
Even help her with her coat, help her out
Treat her like a lady
Compliment her on her hair
Even help her with her chair
Treat her like a lady
Now boy, you should remember
To be a gentleman
Treat her like a lady (Treat her like a lady)
Treat her like, treat her like (Hey-ey-)
Treat her like a lady (Treat her like a lady)
Treat her like (Well), treat her like
Treat her like a lady (Treat her like a lady)
Treat her like, treat her like (Ooh-hoo-)
Treat her like a lady (Hoo-hoo-oh, my, my, treat her like a lady)