1967’s Sensational Smash Hit: Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’

Introduction

Aretha Franklin, the legendary Queen of Soul, left an indelible mark on the music industry with her powerful vocals and timeless classics. Among her many hits, “Respect” stands as an anthem of empowerment and a cultural phenomenon. Released in 1967, this iconic song continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Did You Know?

• “Respect” was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha Franklin’s rendition, released in 1967, transformed it into a feminist and civil rights anthem.
• Aretha Franklin’s cover not only became a chart-topping hit but also earned her two Grammy Awards.
• The song’s catchy spelling out of “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” became an enduring symbol of self-worth and empowerment.
• Aretha Franklin’s contribution to music earned her the title “Queen of Soul,” and she remains one of the best-selling female artists of all time.

Video 

Lyrics: Respect

What you want
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)