Rolling Stone's Top 20

Respect- #5

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Released- 1967

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Despite being a cover of the 1964 song of the same name by Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin’s version of the song became a testament to womanhood. This song depicted a strong, capable woman who is aware of her place in a man’s heart- “what you want, Baby, I got it.” She proceeds for a demand for respect due to this position. She stresses respect in the household by repeating “when you come home” to illustrate that many of the difficulties in women’s rights come behind closed doors in marriages. The final statement of the song is a threat to leave if these demands are not met. In addition, her place in society as a black female places further difficulties in her life and helped to cement this song as a staple not only for the feminist movement but also for the civil rights movement.

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Themes: Protest, Relationships, Civil Rights