Aretha Franklin – Respect (Official Lyric Video)
Inspiration Behind Respect:
Aretha Franklin took an existing song, putting passion and soul into this new version which became a rallying cry during the Civil Rights movement. Respect also became an anthem for woman’s rights. The essential message of Respect is that everyone’s voice deserves to be heard.
Biblical Application:
Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor, 1 Peter 2:16-17.
Exegesis of Respect:
What you want, baby, I got it
What you need, do you know I got it?
While Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King was a main figure in the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960’s, Aretha Franklin’s version of Respect was like the choir leader singing the anthem for African Americans and women.
All I’m askin’ is for a little respect when you get home
(Just a little bit) hey, baby
(Just a little bit) when you get home
(Just a little bit) mister
(Just a little bit)
Singing in the context of a time when women stayed at home, cooked and raised children, Aretha wanted husbands to respect all that women do daily behind the scenes at home.
I ain’t gon’ do you wrong while you’re gone
Ain’t gon’ do you wrong ’cause I don’t wanna
Trust me when you are away at work.
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)
Speaking to her husband and other men, you are not the only one who worked today. I just need some respect for all the little things that I do for you and the kids.
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
When she gives her husband a weekly allowance, see is looking for appreciation.
(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)
Recognize what a wife does and puts up with daily.
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
Show me some love and affection.
(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)
Respect my role in a marriage.
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
Show respect as words are meaningless without action.
(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
Give it to me.
(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 fools
(Just a little bit) and I ain’t lyin’
(Just a little bit)
Aretha simply wants to be appreciated.
(Re, re, re, re) start when you come home
(Re, re, re, respect) or you might walk in
(Just a little bit) and find out I’m gone
(Just a little bit) I gotta have
Don’t take me for granted or you’ll have to find someone else.
Final Thoughts:
Certain songs stand the test of time. Nearly 60 years after Aretha Franklin’s version of Respect was released, this still communicates a valuable life lesson. Woman like Aretha are heroes to modern day women who are now respected like she requested in this song. May current female singers have a vision like Aretha to craft songs that will be sung 60 years from now.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 