Respect by Aretha Franklin was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding in 1965, but it was Franklin’s powerful 1967 version that transformed the song into an anthem for feminism and civil rights.
With her commanding vocals and empowering message, Franklin turned Respect into a milestone in her career and a symbol of empowerment and equality for generations to come.
Did You Know?
- Released in 1967, Respect became a key anthem for both the civil rights and feminist movements.
- The song’s iconic chorus, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me,” delivered a strong message about demanding respect in personal relationships.
- Respect is Aretha Franklin’s signature song, often hailed as one of the greatest songs of all time. It earned her two Grammy Awards and a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Lyrics
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 k isses
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)
