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The True Meaning Of Aretha Franklin's Song Respect

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In 1965, Otis Redding wrote and released the song “Respect” which two years later became a smash hit for Aretha Franklin. The stories told by Franklin’s version are significantly different from Otis Redding’s original. Otis Redding’s version describes a man who will give anything to his woman as long as he gets respect. However, Aretha Franklin’s cover demands respect not only from her man as well as the man. “Respect” is not only a catchy song about relationships, but has an underlying meaning that focused on the social movements at the time. The song was able to have multiple meanings due to Aretha Franklin making noteworthy changes from the original. Aretha Franklin reinvented the song, “Respect” with notable revisions to the music, lyrics …show more content…
Due to certain lyrics, for example “sock it to me,” the song is believed to be sexually suggestive. However, last year in an interview in Rolling Stone, Franklin states that she did not intend for the line to be sexual. Instead, the song focuses on the mutual respect expected between the couple. At the time she recorded the song, Aretha Franklin was married to Ted White who abused her. In “Respect” she sings about her desire to receive respect from her man. Franklin says phrases such as “All I’m askin’ is for a little respect when you come home,” and “Ain’t gonna do you wrong.” These lines are not particularly assertive as she believes mutual respect and commitment should be a given in any relationship. Additionally, the background vocalists repeat the phrase “sock it to me” during the middle of the song. This is a saying from the late 60s/early 70s that means to give me your best. Also in the song, Aretha sings the lyrics “TCB” which stands for taking care of business. Franklin chose to include these lines in order to show not only the desire but the need for their men to give them respect and their best effort into the relationship. Furthermore, at the end of the song, Aretha threatens to leave when she sings, “When you come home, Or you might walk in, And find out I'm gone.” Not only do these lines reference Franklin’s own abusive relationship, but also it demonstrates that …show more content…
The song was a mainstream success as the soulful music energized many as it reached #1 on both R&B and pop charts as well won Aretha Franklin two Grammy Awards. However, “Respect” became a hit not only because of the music itself, but also for what the music meant during the time. At this moment in history, African Americans and women were fighting for social change in a world that was slowly evolving. In the 1970s, Franklin’s song became an anthem for both the feminist movement and the civil-rights movement. Aretha Franklin was seen as empowering woman around the world for her hit songs and her influence in the civil rights and feminist movements. As a strong, black woman she was an inspiration for her strong lyrics in “Respect.” Throughout the song, there is a lot of use of background vocals that interplay with Aretha’s voice. Franklin as the lead vocalist can be seen as a leader not only in the song, but also during a time of social change. Additionally, “Respect” shows a group of women coming together to provide an anthem for feminists. Aretha Franklin, along with sisters, inspired young activists to be strong and demand for basic human rights. They accomplished this by using phrases such as “TCB” in the song. TCB stands for taking care of business, which Franklin added into the song. This phrase was included in order to show that individuals

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