About the song
Kris Kristofferson’s “Give It Time to Be Tender”. Now that’s a song that takes you on a journey, a journey into the complexities of human desire and the delicate dance between passion and vulnerability. Released in 1972 on Kristofferson’s introspective album Jesus Was a Capricorn, the song stands out for its raw honesty and its exploration of intimacy’s many facets.
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Kristofferson, a singer-songwriter known for his gravelly baritone and his poetic lyrics, never shies away from laying bare the human condition. In “Give It Time to Be Tender”, he confronts the primal pull of physical attraction, expressed in the opening line: “I feel the hunger, you feel in your touch” – a line that’s both sensual and slightly dangerous. This raw desire, however, is counterbalanced by a yearning for something deeper, a tenderness that takes time to cultivate.
The beauty of the song lies in this tension. The music itself, a slow, acoustic ballad with a country twang, reflects this internal struggle. The gentle strumming of the guitar provides a foundation for Kristofferson’s voice, which oscillates between a growl and a croon, mirroring the conflicting emotions at play.
This isn’t just a song about fleeting lust; it’s a meditation on the vulnerability that true intimacy requires. The line “It’s frightenin’ just wantin’ som” speaks volumes about the fear that often accompanies letting someone in. We see a glimpse of the emotional armor we build around ourselves, a barrier that needs to be gently lowered for true connection to take place.
“Give It Time to Be Tender” is more than just a love song; it’s a call for emotional courage. It reminds us that intimacy is a slow burn, a process of peeling back layers and allowing ourselves to be seen – and to see – in our most vulnerable state. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever grappled with the complexities of love and the delicate balance between passion and tenderness.