Hold Me Oh My Darling
Tammi Terrell · Essential Collection [2001]
And never, never let me go
Oh, kiss me and tell me you love me, yeah, yeah
Because I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I love you so
I, I love you, I love you so
Oh, when, when I'm alone and troubled, baby
And my life, life, my life seems dark as night
Then I ask baby, I'll ask, I'll ask please
Oh, oh please, please be my guiding light
Won't you be, be my guiding light?
You know I get such a strange sensation
Every time I hear your name
Now all of my friends and my relations
They say I'm loving you, loving you in vain
Yeah, yeah
Snuggle, snuggle, snu, snuggle on my shoulder, baby
Come on and tell me, tell me, tell me, tell me you care, darling
Oh, as our love, our love, our love, our love grows older, baby, ooh
Tell me that the flame, the flame, oh, baby will still be there
That the flame, flame will still be
Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna hold you, baby
Never let you go, now what you gotta say?
Hold me, baby, yes I will, darling
Our love [Incomprehensible] darling, yeah, yeah
Hold me, I'm gonna hold you in my arms
I know, I know, I know, baby
About Hold Me Oh My Darling
Tammi Terrell's "Hold Me Oh My Darling" stands as a defining moment in soul music, showcasing her unparalleled vocal range and emotional depth. Recorded for the 2001 Essential Collection, this track exemplifies the lush, orchestral arrangements characteristic of Motown's golden era. Terrell's voice, often described as a "human instrument," delivers a performance that balances raw vulnerability with soaring power, setting a standard for female vocalists in the genre. The song reflects the era's focus on romantic ballads, where the interplay between the singer and the backing band created an immersive listening experience. As a staple of her discography, the recording remains a critical example of mid-20th-century soul production, influencing countless artists who followed in her footsteps. Its enduring appeal lies in Terrell's ability to convey complex feelings through melody and tone alone.