In 1965, Otis Redding wrote and released the song “Respect” which two years later became a smash hit for Aretha Franklin. The stories told by Franklin’s version are significantly different from Otis Redding’s original version although there are only a few minor changes to the lyrics. Otis Redding’s version describes a man who will give anything to his woman as long as he gets respect. However, Aretha Franklin’s cover demands respect not only from her man as well as the man. “Respect” is not only a catchy song about relationships, but has an underlying focus on the social movements at the time. On February 16, 1968, Aretha Franklin led a performance at Detroit’s Cobo Hall where she was also recognized for her music and success in the previous year. More than 12,000 people watched a lively performance by Franklin which the Mayor of Detroit, Jerome P. Cavanagh, later declared the date as “Aretha Franklin Day.” During…show more content… She does this in order to get her point across throughout the entire song. During “Respect”, Franklin says phrases such as “All I’m askin’ is for a little respect when you come home,” and “Ain’t gonna do you wrong.” She constantly uses these sayings to prove how much she wants her man to give her respect. Additionally, she tells him that she will do the same for him. The background vocalists repeat the phrase “sock it to me” during the middle of the song. This is a saying from the late 60s/early 70s that means to give me your best. Also in the song, Aretha sings the lyrics “TCB” which stands for taking care of business. These women sing these lyrics to show their desire for their men to give them respect and their best effort in their relationships. At the end of the song, Aretha threatens to leave when she sings, “When you come home, Or you might walk in, And find out I'm gone.” This demonstrates how empowered she feels and that she can do what she
