Satisfaction
Aretha Franklin Lyrics


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I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
And I try and I try, I tell you I tried, and I tried and I tried, tried, tried
I can't get no, yeah, I can't get no, oh, oh

When I'm drivin' in my car
And a man comes on the radio
He's tellin' me more and more
About some useless information
It's supposed to fire my imagination
I can't get no, oh no no no

Hey hey hey
Oh, baby that's what I say, yes it is baby
Oh baby, baby, that's what I say, yes it is oh

I can't get no satisfaction
I can't get no satisfaction
And I try, I tell you I tried, did you hear me I tried
And I tried, and I tried, tried, tried
I can't get no, I can't get no, no, oh

When I've done all I can do
And I just can't, just can't do no more
Each thing new and different I try
Seems to turn out to be one big bore

I can't get no oh, no, no, no
Hey hey hey, oh, baby, that's what I say
Yes it is
Hey, hey, hey, oh, baby, that's what I say
Yes it is
I can't get no satisfaction




All I need is some soulful reaction
I can't get no, I can't get no, I can't get no

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Aretha Franklin's song Satisfaction are about an individual who cannot seem to find contentment or happiness in their life despite their efforts. The first verse attests to the fact that the singer has tried in vain to find satisfaction, however, every effort has failed. The second verse exacerbates this frustration by portraying a scenario where the singer is driving in their car and comes across a radio station that provides meaningless information that is supposed to inspire, but ultimately unable to provide the fulfillment the singer desperately seeks.


The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, further accentuates the singer's woes as they confess their inability to find satisfaction despite their countless attempts to do so. The bridge is a cry for some soulful reaction, a plea for something deeper that will satisfy beyond the superficialities. Altogether, the song speaks to the human experience of perpetual dissatisfaction and the hopeful yearning for something that brings true fulfillment.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't get no satisfaction
I am unable to feel content or fulfilled


And I try and I try, I tell you I tried, and I tried and I tried, tried, tried
Despite my efforts, I cannot achieve satisfaction


I can't get no, yeah, I can't get no, oh, oh
I am emphasizing my inability to obtain satisfaction


When I'm drivin' in my car
During my leisurely moments


And a man comes on the radio
And a voice comes from the radio


He's tellin' me more and more
He's giving me more and more information


About some useless information
About information that is irrelevant or unimportant


It's supposed to fire my imagination
It is intended to stimulate my creativity or imagination


I can't get no, oh no no no
I am reiterating my lack of satisfaction


Oh, baby that's what I say, yes it is baby
This is my way of expressing my frustration


When I've done all I can do
After I've tried my best


And I just can't, just can't do no more
And I am unable to do anything else


Each thing new and different I try
Every new and different thing I attempt


Seems to turn out to be one big bore
Ends up being dull or uninteresting


All I need is some soulful reaction
What I am really seeking is a genuine emotional response


I can't get no, I can't get no, I can't get no
I am emphasizing my continued inability to obtain satisfaction




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Abkco Music Inc.
Written by: Keith Richards, Michael Jagger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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