Aretha Franklin – Respect [1967]
Maybe you don’t know?
“Respect” is a song written and originally released by Otis Redding in 1965. However, it was Aretha Franklin’s cover of the song, released in 1967, that became one of her signature hits and a classic in the R&B and soul genres. Aretha Franklin’s version of “Respect” was not only a commercial success but also became an anthem for the civil rights and feminist movements due to its empowering and assertive lyrics.
Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Respect” added a distinctively soulful and powerful touch, with her emotive vocals and the addition of the iconic spelling out of the word “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” in the chorus, which became one of the most recognizable parts of the song. The song’s message of demanding respect in relationships struck a chord with audiences, and it quickly rose to the top of the charts.
Aretha Franklin’s version of “Respect” won her two Grammy Awards in 1968 and has remained a timeless classic, often associated with her legacy as the “Queen of Soul.” The song’s influence has extended far beyond its original release and continues to be celebrated for its musical excellence and its role in shaping the cultural landscape of the 1960s and beyond.
Song Video
Song Lyrics “Respect”
Baby, I got it
What you need
Do you know I got it?
All I’m askin’
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 gone
Ain’t gonna do you wrong
‘Cause I don’t wanna
All I’m askin’
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 money
And all I’m askin’ in return, honey
Is to give me my propers
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)
Ooh, your kisses
Sweeter than honey
And guess what?
So is my money
All I want you to do for me
Is 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-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me
Sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect
(sock it to me, sock it to me, sock 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)
(re, re, re, re) ‘spect
When 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)
