dddhat year, President Lyndon Johnson first called for an end to racism and eventually signed an

executive order that expanded affirmative-action legislation to cover sex discrimination.

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4) behind these words that some may perceive as something banal, there is indeed a strong and hopeful
message.

Verse 1

In the first verse, Aretha Franklin is singing of the power she has in the relationship which the man does
not see.

Verse 2

In the second verse, Aretha Franklin seemingly replies to the original lyrics by Otis Redding. In Otis’s
version, he sings “You can do me wrong, honey, while I’m gone.” These lines have a subtle implication
that he is allowing her to cheat on him when he is gone to work. However, Aretha changes these lyrics to
“Ain’t gon’ do you wrong ’cause I don’t wanna.” These lyrics say that she could do wrong if she wanted
to, but she is not choosing to do so, and it’s not up to him to give her permission.

Verse 3

The third verses of either song are seemingly a back-and-forth banter as well. In Otis’s version, he sings
that he will give his hard-earned money to her to manage the household expenses and in return, he only
seeks her respect. In Aretha’s version, she says the same–she will give him all her hard-earned money
and in return, she only expects his respect. This might be the most relevant part of the song to Aretha’s
personal life which has been documented to be one filled with domestic violence with her husband Ted
White. Although Ted White was a business manager, including that of Aretha Franklin’s career, Aretha
would have undoubtedly been the one to bring in the big bucks in their home.

Verse 4

In the fourth verse of the song, Aretha Franklin sings that she is a financially independent woman, which
would have been not been something digested well by the 60’s society. So, Aretha was breaking new
grounds in the song.

Verse 5

These lyrics are brand new added by Aretha Franklin herself. She emphasizes the word respect and adds
in the acronym TCB which stands for ‘take care of business.’

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5 )The song, which was released in 1967, quickly became an anthem for the Civil Rights and Women's
Liberation movements, as it was a powerful declaration of self-worth, empowerment, and equality.

The song's message helped to raise awareness of gender inequality and inspired many women to
demand more respect and recognition in their personal and professional lives.

Overall, "Respect" has had a profound and enduring impact on music, culture, and society. It remains
one of the most iconic and influential songs of the 20th century and continues to inspire and empower
people around the world.