Carole King herself recorded the song for her 1971 album Tapestry. Among the numerous cover versions of the song include versions by Mary J. Blige and Celine Dion, both of which charted in the same year (1995). At the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, Aretha Franklin performed the song to honor award-recipient Carole King.
Written by the partnership of Gerry Goffin and Carole King, the song was inspired by Atlantic Records co-owner and producer Jerry Wexler. As recounted in his autobiography, Wexler, a student of African-American musical culture, had been mulling over the concept of the "natural man", when he drove by King on the streets of New York. He shouted out to her that he wanted a "natural woman" song for Aretha Franklin's next album. Goffin and King went home and wrote the song that night. In thanks, they granted Wexler a co-writing credit.
Cash Box said that "from the vocal standpoint, the side is unmatched; and in the ork and production departments, excellent work add up to a shattering performance" and that the song builds to "new emotional peaks" from a "shattering" beginning.
The Aretha Franklin version appears in the 1983 film The Big Chill and is included on both the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack and More Songs from the Big Chill.
Personnel
Aretha Franklin – lead vocals
Spooner Oldham – piano
Tommy Cogbill – bass
Gene Chrisman – drums
The Sweet Inspirations, Carolyn Franklin & Erma Franklin – background vocals
strings conducted by Ralph Burns
A Natural Woman
Aretha Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But you're the key to my peace of mind
'Cause you make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
When my soul was in the lost and found
You came along to claim it
I didn't know just what was wrong with me
'Til your kiss helped me name it
Now I'm no longer doubtful, of what I'm living for
And if I make you happy I don't need to do more
'Cause you make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
Oh, baby, what you've done to me (what you've done to me)
You make me feel so good inside (good inside)
And I just want to be (want to be)
Close to you, you make me feel so alive
You make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
You make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
You make me feel
You make me feel
like a natural woman.
The lyrics of "A Natural Woman" by Aretha Franklin are about the life-changing impact that love can have. The singer describes how, before she met her lover, she used to feel uninspired by the everyday monotony of life. However, meeting this person changed everything; they were the key to her peace of mind, making her feel like she was a natural woman. The passionate, deep feelings she experiences through this love make her feel alive and fulfilled. In the second verse, the singer describes how she trusts her lover completely, feeling as though they have saved her from being lost. Their kiss helped her to name what was wrong with her and set her on a path towards emotional fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Looking out on the morning rain
Starting the day feeling down and disinterested.
I used to feel so uninspired
Lacking motivation and creativity in my life.
And when I knew I had to face another day
Feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind.
Lord, it made me feel so tired
Experiencing fatigue and exhaustion from life's challenges.
Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
Feeling like life was unfair and difficult prior to meeting you.
But you're the key to my peace of mind
You have brought me inner peace and tranquility.
'Cause you make me feel
Your presence has a profound effect on my emotions and well-being.
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
You bring out the best in me, making me feel confident and comfortable in my own skin.
When my soul was in the lost and found
Feeling lost and unsure of myself.
You came along to claim it
Your love and support helped me reclaim my sense of self.
I didn't know just what was wrong with me
Struggling to identify my own emotions and struggles.
'Til your kiss helped me name it
Your affection and care helped me recognize and label my own feelings.
Now I'm no longer doubtful, of what I'm living for
Feeling more confident and sure about my life's purpose.
And if I make you happy I don't need to do more
My main goal is to bring joy to your life, and that is enough for me.
Oh, baby, what you've done to me (what you've done to me)
Expressing gratitude for the positive impact you have had on my life.
You make me feel so good inside (good inside)
Your love and affection bring me happiness and fulfillment.
And I just want to be (want to be)
Desiring to be close to you.
Close to you, you make me feel so alive
Being near you brings me a sense of vitality and energy.
You make me feel
You make me feel
You make me feel like a natural woman (woman)
Reiterating the idea that you make me feel confident, comfortable, and content in my own identity.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Gerry Goffin, Carole King, Jerry Wexler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RamLakhan-101
We like natural women! Shut the world down if you dont like it, but its a fact. Being a woman is nothing to be ashamed of. If anyone finds this song offensive they can go find themselves a different planet to live on. Im a man who identifies as a man... Not as a butterfly or twig or whatever horsesh1t some people aspire to being these days! Fight your own battles and leave the majority of us sane people to it! Cant believe some nutters want this song cancelled!
@debbiehoggs4989
STANDING OVATION FROM A NATURAL WOMAN BORN FEMALE❤❤❤
@godsgirl5557
I have loved this song my entire life! Shame on trans activists for trying to say this song is wrong or bad! I hope that oh so politically correct u tube doesn't cave and take it down... I plan to play and share it as much as possible!!
@brandenj7038
To all trans women, non binary and lgbtq+ calling themselves women...and attacking other women...if you were real women you would not have felt the song as offensive....because it's about women...touche
@philipmarable8698
Seeing SJWs complain about this song is just stupid on thier part.
If anything, this song should actually inspire any woman.
@brandenj7038
@@philipmarable8698 yes, if real women..
@Alexander._.i
It's not to the rest of the LGBTQ+, it's just trans women, but I argee with ur point)
@williebailey91
“ Natural women” please make some noise and drown out the people perpetrating one of Gods greatest gifts on earth….
@Terratetradon
?
@williebailey91
@@Terratetradon Can you read?