1967 Atlantic Record Promo Photo
When determining whether or not a song meets the definition of a protest tune an important factor is intent. Often it is the intent of the songwriter. At other times it is the intention of the singer. It is possible to have two versions of the same song, and only one of the versions is a protest song. A notable instance of this is Aretha Franklin’s rendition of “Respect” which appeared on her 1967 breakthrough album I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You.
The tune was composed and recorded by Otis Redding and appeared on his 1965 album Otis Blue/Otis Redding Sings Soul. In Redding’s version “respect” is an euphemism for sex. When the man gets home he demands that his woman sexually please him. As much as Redding was a legendary singer and songwriter, the lyrics conform to traditional gender roles, appear to display a power imbalance, and border on misogynistic.
Aretha’s powerful version flipped the gender roles and transformed it into an anthem of female empowerment. Even though there still may have been an element of looking for respect in the bedroom, the message took on a broader scope. Also, in contrast with Otis’ version, the demand for respect wasn’t about wielding power over someone, instead, it was about demanding equality.
Aretha also made a few modifications to the song which further helped elevate it to a timeless civil rights anthem, most notably “R-E-S-P-E-C-T /Find out what it means to me”.
To learn more about Aretha’s contributions to socially conscious music also check out a list of Ten Aretha Franklin Protest Songs.