Tender Lover
Babyface · Tender Lover
Tender lover, tender love
Eleanor Rigby
Spends half her life all alone
No fault of her own
Made a decision
Love has no place in her home
Love it has a right to go
Love has no limit
If you believe in love
It'll open up so
Don't even give in
'Cause if it starts to give
Just hold on
We didn't didn't make it
But love'll get you by
If you only try
Just don't give up on love
'Cause it didn't work out this time
Tender lover, girl, I'm so sorry
Well I never meant to hurt you
I never meant to break your heart
Tender love, so broken hearted
Well I never meant to break your
Break your little tender heart
Don't ever give up
In spite of our love
Love is much too precious
It's greater than both of us
There's more than enough
Keep lookin' for love
Just be a believer
It'll give you what you want
Sky is the limit
If you believe in love
It'll open up so
Don't ever give in
'Cause if it starts to give
Just hold on
We didn't didn't make it
But love'll get you by
If you only try
Just don't give up on love
'Cause it didn't work out this time
[HOOK]
My tender lover
Tender lover, tender love
Tender lover, tender love
Love has no limit
If you believe in love
It'll open up so
Don't even give in
'Cause if it starts to give
Just hold on
We didn't didn't make it
But love'll get you by
If you only try
Just don't give up on love
'Cause it didn't work out this time
[HOOK with ad lib]
Tender Lover - Babyface
Babyface's 'Tender Lover' stands as a quintessential example of his signature mid-1990s R&B and soulful pop sound. Recorded during a prolific period that defined the era's romantic balladry, the track showcases his mastery of lush string arrangements and smooth vocal harmonies. As a solo artist, Babyface often blended his own vocals with those of session singers to create rich, layered productions that emphasized emotional intimacy. The song reflects the genre's focus on polished, radio-friendly melodies designed to capture the nuances of longing and affection. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless composition, which remains a staple of classic soul and contemporary R&B discographies, illustrating the artist's significant influence on the sound of the 1990s.