Introduction:
Respect, the iconic soul anthem recorded by the legendary singer Aretha Franklin, was released in 1967. This powerful song, produced by Jerry Wexler, became a defining moment in Franklin’s career and a feminist anthem.
“Respect” is not just a love song; it’s a demand for equality and dignity in a relationship. Franklin, a powerhouse vocalist with a gospel background, delivers a phenomenal performance. The song’s driving rhythm section, featuring the iconic work of bassist James Jamerson and drummer Clyde Otis, perfectly complements Franklin’s vocals. These elements combine to create a sound that is both powerful and infectious.
While the original version of “Respect” was written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, Franklin’s 1967 cover transformed the song. Franklin’s interpretation changed the lyrics slightly, adding a stronger emphasis on the demand for respect from a woman’s perspective. This change, along with her passionate performance, resonated with a generation of women facing social and political change. “Respect” became an anthem of the feminist movement, a song that spoke to the desire for equality in all aspects of life.
The impact of “Respect” is undeniable. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1967 and won two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Recording and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. It has also been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is included on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. “Respect” continues to be a beloved and relevant song, covered by countless artists and featured in numerous movies and television shows. Aretha Franklin’s powerful performance and the song’s timeless message ensure that “Respect” will remain a cultural touchstone for generations to come.
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Lyrics:
Hey, what you want(oo) Baby, I got(oo) What you need(oo) Do you know I got it?(oo) All I’m askin’(oo) Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)Hey baby (just a little bit) when you get home(Just a little bit) mister (just a little bit)
I ain’t gonna do you wrong while you’re goneAin’t gonna do you wrong (oo) ’cause I don’t wanna (oo)All I’m askin’ (oo)Is for a little respect when you come home (just a little bit)Baby (just a little bit) when you get home (just a little bit)Yeah (just a little bit)
I’m about to give you all of my moneyAnd all I’m askin’ in return, honeyIs to give me my profits
When you get home (just a, just a, just a, just a)Yeah baby (just a, just a, just a, just a)When you get home (just a little bit)Yeah (just a little bit) Do it for me now, just a little bit
Ooo, your kisses (oo)Sweeter than honey (oo)And guess what? (oo)So is my money (oo)All I want you to do (oo) for meIs give it to me when you get home (re, re, re, re)Yeah baby (re, re, re, re)Whip it to me (respect, just a little bit)When you get home, now (just a little bit)
R-E-S-P-E-C-TFind out what it means to meR-E-S-P-E-C-TTake care, TCBOh (sock it to me, sock it to meSock it to me, sock it to me)A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to meSock it to me, sock it to me)Whoa, babe (just a little bit)A little respect (just a little bit)I get tired (just a little bit)Keep on tryin’ (just a little bit)You’re runnin’ out of foolin’ (just a little bit)And I ain’t lyin’ (just a little bit)
‘spectWhen you come home (re, re, re, re)Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit)And find out I’m gone (just a little bit)I got to have (just a little bit)A little respect (just a little bit)