About The Song
“Respect” is a classic soul anthem and one of the most iconic songs in the career of Aretha Franklin. Released in 1967, the song not only showcases Franklin’s powerful and emotive vocals but also became a symbol of the feminist and civil rights movements. With its distinctive spelling and empowering message, “Respect” is a timeless expression of independence and self-worth.
Five Facts:
- Otis Redding’s Cover: “Respect” was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha Franklin’s rendition, released in 1967, transformed the song into an anthem of empowerment, with Franklin adding the famous “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” spelling and making significant lyrical changes to emphasize a woman’s demand for respect.
- Signature Spelling: Aretha Franklin’s spelling of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” in the chorus became one of the most memorable and distinctive elements of the song. This spelling not only added a catchy and memorable hook but also reinforced the song’s theme of demanding respect in various aspects of life.
- Grammy Success: Aretha Franklin’s version of “Respect” earned her two Grammy Awards in 1968, including the prestigious Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The song became a commercial success, topping the charts and cementing Franklin’s status as the Queen of Soul.
- Civil Rights Anthem: “Respect” took on added significance during the civil rights and feminist movements of the 1960s. The song’s powerful message resonated with marginalized communities, and it became an anthem for social change, symbolizing the call for equality and respect.
- Musical Arrangement: The song’s arrangement, featuring the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and Franklin’s dynamic vocal delivery, contributed to its timeless appeal. The combination of soulful singing, the energetic brass section, and the memorable backing vocals created a musical masterpiece that continues to influence and inspire artists across genres.
Video
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 gone
Ain’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 money
And all I’m askin’ in return, honey
Is to give me my profitsWhen 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 bitOoo, your kisses (oo)
Sweeter than honey (oo)
And guess what? (oo)
So is my money (oo)
All I want you to do (oo) 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)‘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)
A little respect (just a little bit)