All I'm askin' is for a little RESPECT

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Aretha Franklin? Respect! Originally cut from Otis Redding, Aretha and her sister Carolyn added their own flavor to the remaking of the song “Respect”. This is her masterpiece, and the song Aretha will forever be remembered for. It was recorded on Valentine’s Day at Atlantic Recordings in NYC. Her husband at the time, Ted White, was absent during the recording which enabled Aretha to blast the song out with a newly unleashed fire and passion. It awakened the consciousness of people during the times of women’s liberation, the civil rights movement, and in all relationships to demand respect.

Aretha starts off the song with no hesitation and gets straight to the point by making a deal with whomever it may concern. Whatever you want, she’s got it, as long as you give her a little respect.

(oo) 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 get home

Everyone deserves respect: all sizes, ages, and colors of life. The influential message the song conveys is heard loudly by everyone who listens. There is an eternal popularity of the song “Respect” that will never lose its power because anyone can identify with this song, a universal language—it could be racial situation, political situation, or the man-woman situation. This song is about both civil rights and the feminist movement. The line ‘A little respect when you get home’ means more than having respect for another’s position. It was an instinctive feminist outcry, a sexual statement, and an announcement of dignity—a minority person making a statement of pride.

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)

The two most famous aspects of the song were the parts that Aretha and her sister Carolyn added to Otis Redding’s original. The worldwide phrase ‘sock it to me’ and the way Aretha spells out ‘respect’ during the end of the song. The spelling out r-e-s-p-e-c-t it brings an exaggerated attention to the need for simply that, respect. If you respect her, she will respect you. Treat people the way you want to be treated.  During a time of racial unrest, “Respect” became a civil rights anthem.

 “TCB” is an abbreviation that was commonly used in the 1960s and 1970s, meaning ‘Taking Care (of) Business,’ and was widely used in Africa-American culture. Because it was less well-known outside of that culture, some of those who transcribed Franklin’s did not recognize its correct meaning. Some incorrectly interpreted the line ‘Take care of TCB’ as ‘TCP’- The Colored People. The passion, soul, and spirit of this song has helped those who struggle, those who need a little encouragement, and those who just need a good song to get stuck in their head!

Full Lyrics to “Respect”

(oo) 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 profits
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)

------ instrumental break ------

Ooo, 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)
(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)
A little respect (just a little bit)