"Hard to Handle" is a song originally recorded by Otis Redding, but it gained significant popularity when performed by the Grateful Dead in the late 1960s. The lyrics depict a confident and seductive man wooing a woman, assuring her that he can satisfy her desires better than anyone else. The song begins with the narrator introducing himself as a man who stands out in a crowd. He promises the woman that he can provide her with what she wants, but she needs to come home with him. He boasts about his ability to give her a lot of love and keep her coming back for more. The chorus mentions that there are many other men trying to win her affection, but their intentions are insincere, just like "drug store love." The narrator calls the woman a "pretty little thing" and asks for a chance to ignite her passion. The second verse emphasizes the narrator's experience and expertise in love. He acknowledges that the woman may be seeing someone else but claims that he can love her better. He urges her to trust him and promises to back up every word he says. He offers his love freely, as if it were an advertisement, and asks her to join him. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the narrator's confidence and desire for the woman's love. In essence, "Hard to Handle" is a dynamic and charismatic song about a man trying to convince a woman to choose him over others by highlighting his abilities and offering passionate love.
