Introduction:
“(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” is one of Aretha Franklin’s most celebrated songs, a soul classic that has resonated with generations. Released in 1967 and featured on her 1968 album Lady Soul, the track was penned by Carole King and Gerry Goffin with input from producer Jerry Wexler. Wexler, inspired by the concept of a “natural man” rooted in African American history, suggested the idea for the song to King during a chance encounter in New York City. King and Goffin completed the composition in one night, crafting lyrics that captured themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment.
The song’s arrangement and performance transformed it into a timeless anthem. Franklin’s commanding vocal delivery, supported by backing vocals from her sisters Carolyn and Erma Franklin, elevated it beyond a love song, highlighting themes of personal strength and identity. Though the lyrics ostensibly describe the transformative power of love, Franklin’s interpretation has allowed listeners to find broader meanings, including empowerment and self-realization. Her rendition reached No. 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining piece of her legacy.
Carole King recorded her own version for her landmark 1971 album Tapestry, offering a more reflective and stripped-down take. Over the decades, the song has been covered by numerous artists, from Mary J. Blige to Celine Dion, and remains a cultural touchstone. Aretha’s live performance of the song at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, celebrating Carole King, is remembered as one of her most stirring renditions, even moving then-President Barack Obama to tears