Meaning and Lyrics of Just One More Day by Otis Redding

Song Lyrics meaning of Just One More Day by Otis Redding

About Otis Redding

Otis Redding, often hailed as the “King of Soul,” was born on September 9, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, and left an indelible mark on the music world despite his tragically short career. With a voice that could effortlessly oscillate between raw emotional intensity and silky smoothness, Redding became a seminal figure in the genre of soul music. Redding’s breakthrough came with his 1962 debut single “These Arms of Mine,” which showcased his ability to convey deep emotion through simple, heartfelt lyrics. From there, his career skyrocketed, and he quickly became a key player in the Stax Records roster, contributing to the famed “Memphis Sound.” Throughout the mid-60s, Redding continually churned out hits, each more soul-stirring than the last. His deeply evocative songwriting and passionate performances were evident in classics like “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” “Respect,” and “Try a Little Tenderness.” Despite his untimely death in a plane crash in 1967, his legacy was cemented with the posthumous release of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” which became his most iconic track and earned him two posthumous Grammy Awards. One notable example of Redding’s emotive power can be found in the song “Just One More Day.” A heart-wrenching plea for a little more time to make things right, the song showcases Redding’s exceptional ability to blend vulnerability with strength. The lush instrumentation, marked by brass highlights and soulful rhythms, complements his impassioned vocals, creating a sonic experience that is both intimate and overwhelming. Redding’s influence extends far beyond his lifetime, impacting a myriad of artists across genres, from soul and R&B to rock and pop. His work continues to resonate, proving that the depth of human emotion he captured so eloquently is timeless.

Meaning of Just One More Day by Otis Redding

Otis Redding’s “Just One More Day” is a masterclass in soul, channeling the deep reservoirs of human longing and heartache into a raw, evocative performance that has stood the test of time. From the very first line, Redding pulls the listener into his world of yearning and emotional turmoil with genuine intensity. This isn’t just a song; it’s a plea, a testament to the anguish of separation and the thin thread of hope that binds lovers together.

Compositionally, “Just One More Day” adheres to the quintessential elements of 1960s soul—lush instrumentation, a strong, steady rhythm, and poignant, impassioned vocals. Yet, it’s Redding’s delivery that transforms a seemingly simple structure into something transcendental. The horns swell and sigh in sympathy with his voice, while the bass and drums provide a sturdy backbone, mirroring the determination in his repeated requests for “another day.”

Redding’s vocal performance here is nothing short of legendary. Known for his ability to convey deep emotion, he doesn’t hold back. Every note quivers with vulnerability, and every cry for “one more day” is imbued with a profound sense of desperation and earnest hope. This track is a clear predecessor to his more iconic works like “Try a Little Tenderness” and “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long,” showcasing his unparalleled ability to meld intensity with tenderness.

Lyrically, the song dives into the painful reality of longing and the madness that comes with it. Redding sings, “I can’t get you off of my mind / But true love is so hard to find.” These lines not only highlight his yearning but also touch on the universal struggle to maintain love amidst life’s trials. By expressing a desire for “just one more day,” he underscores the urgency and fragility of romantic relationships. There’s a palpable recognition that time is his enemy, ticking away inexorably, but he clings to the hope that a single day can make all the difference.

The chorus captures the essence of earnest pleading with lines like, “I want yet another day / Ooh, I need another day.” These repetitions are not just structural; they serve to amplify the depth of his longing. It’s almost as if Redding believes that by sheer force of will and vocal power, he can manifest the time he needs to rekindle a fading romance. In doing so, he underscores a fundamental human trait: the inability to easily let go of what we love.

As the song progresses, the lyrics delve deeper into the sacrifices he’s willing to make. “I will do anything that you want me to do / Say anything that you want me to say / Buy you anything you want me to buy.” These lines testify to the lengths to which love can push an individual. There’s a servitude here, a readiness to capitulate entirely to the desires of the other, which speaks volumes about the depth of his commitment and his desperation.

The refrain “Please let me have just one more day” is more than just a hook; it’s the song’s beating heart. It’s an invocation, a plea that reverberates with each iteration, growing both in intensity and necessity. The repetition fosters a sense of timelessness, blurring the boundary between a single day and an eternity. Redding’s insistence on wanting not just “one more day” but “the day after and the day after” transcends a simple extension of time; it’s a desire for eternal togetherness.

In the broader context of Redding’s career and the 1960s soul scene, “Just One More Day” exemplifies the era’s emotive power and raw authenticity. The song echoes throughout his discography, reflecting a consistent theme of emotional vulnerability and the quest for connection. Alongside peers like Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, and Aretha Franklin, Redding helped define the landscape of soul music, with tracks like this serving as touchstones for the genre.

Culturally, “Just One More Day” stands as a reminder of the power of music to articulate the most profound aspects of the human experience. It’s not just about love; it’s about the universal fear of loss and the beautiful folly of fighting against the inevitable. With his gravelly voice and unparalleled emotional delivery, Otis Redding transforms a simple plea into a timeless anthem of devotion and despair.

In sum, “Just One More Day” isn’t merely a song to be listened to—it’s a song to be felt. It’s a poignant testament to the struggles and sacrifices of love, encapsulating the essence of what makes Otis Redding an enduring icon in the fabric of music history.

Lyrics of Just One More Day by Otis Redding

I've been missing you for so many days
I keep wanting you, lord, in so many ways
I can't get you off of my mind
But true love is so hard to find

I want yet another day
Ooh, I need another day
Darling, let me have another day
And I can be anything that you want me to be, now

The sweet things you used to do to me
Sometimes you used to say them to me
I can't forget those lovely days
But this is the price I am about to pay

Ooh, I want another day
You can let me have just one more day
Ooh, I need one more day, yeah
And I will do anything that you want me to do

I will do anything that you want me to do, now
Say anything that you want me to say
Buy you anything you want me to buy
And I can cherish you till the day I die

If you let me have another day
Please let me have one more day
Ooh, I want just one more day, Lord
And it can be everything that you want me to be

Just one more day now
You can let me have just another day, now
Please I want to stay and the day after and the day after
And I want all the days
I want all the days
I want you here by my side
And I don't want you do leave me
And you can let me have one more day

Discography Otis Redding

Stax Records Presents

Release: 2024-05-20
Label: UME – Global Clearing House
Popularity: 👏
1. I Can’t Turn You Loose – Live / Set 1 / Friday, April 8, 1966
2. Respect – Alternate Take
3. (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay – Take 2
4. Try A Little Tenderness – Take 1
5. Mr. Pitiful – Live / Set 1 / Saturday, April 9, 1966
6. These Arms Of Mine – Live / Set 3 / Saturday, April 9, 1966
7. Shake [London]
8. Pain In My Heart – Live / Set 1 / Friday, April 8, 1966
9. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long – Live / Set 2 / Friday, April 8, 1966
10. I’ve Got Dreams To Remember – Alternate Take
11. Remember Me
12. Send Me Some Lovin’
13. Pounds And Hundreds (Lbs + 100s)
14. Day Tripper [London]
15. Just One More Day – Live / Set 2 / Friday, April 8, 1966
Tracklist Collapse

One Way Ticket (Live 1967)

Release: 2022-12-07
Label: UME – Global Clearing House
1. Day Tripper – Live 1967
2. FA FA FA FA FA (Sad Song) – Live 1967
3. My Girl – Live 1967
4. Shake – Live 1967
5. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long – Live 1967
6. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction – Live 1967
7. Try A Little Tenderness – Live 1967
Tracklist Collapse

Live at the Monterey International Pop Festival

Release: 2019-07-12
Label: The Monterey International Pop Festival Foundation
l
1. Booker-Loo
2. Hip Hug-Her
3. Philly Dog
4. Shake
5. Respect
6. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)
7. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
8. Try a Little Tenderness
Tracklist Collapse
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