You'll Never Get To Heaven
Aretha Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Daddy told me always to follow the golden rule
And he said that, Aretha, it's really a sin to be mean and cruel
So remember if you're untrue
Angels up in heaven are looking, looking at you, yeah, at the stars
You'll never get to heaven if you break my heart, babySo be very careful not to break my heart
You won't get to heaven if you, if you break my heart, ohohoho, oho
Lalala
I've been hearing rumors all about how you play around (Yes, I have)
And though I don't, I don't believe what I hear, baby, still it gets me down
If you ever should say goodbye
It will be so awful the angels would cry
You'll never get to heaven if you break my heart, baby (Baby)
So be very careful, honey, not to break my heart
You won't get to heaven if you, if you break my heart, ohohoho, oho
Lalala
I can't hardly wait for the day when we say "I do" (Oooh)
It's the day that I, I dreamed of so long, now it's coming true
You will promise to cherish me (Yes, you will)
And, baby, if you break your promise, the angels, they can see, oooh, yeah
You'll never get to heaven if you break my heart, baby (Baby)
So you know you gotta be careful not to break my heart
You won't get to heaven if you, if you break my heart, ohohoho, oho
Lalala
And I know you wanna go (Yes, you do)
Lalal
If you're driving in your car, watch what you're doing and think
Lalala
The lyrics of Aretha Franklin's song, You'll Never Get To Heaven, convey the notion that the singer wants her partner to treat her with kindness and respect if they want to go to heaven. The first verse mentions how her father taught her to follow the golden rule of not being cruel or mean towards others. The singer warns her partner that even if they are untrue, the angels in heaven are watching them closely. The chorus emphasizes that if her partner breaks her heart, they will never make it to heaven because the angels will be saddened by their actions.
The second verse talks about how the singer has heard rumors of her partner's infidelities, and how it still affects her, even though she doesn't believe it. She emphasizes that if her partner ever leaves her, it will be so awful that even the angels will cry. The final verse mentions the singer's hopes of getting married and how her partner needs to keep their promise to cherish her. If they break that promise, the angels will see it, and they won't make it to heaven.
The song touches upon important values such as truth, respect, and love. It conveys the idea that one's actions have consequences and that being virtuous and treating others with kindness can lead to a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
Daddy told me always to follow the golden rule
My father taught me to always treat others the way I'd like to be treated
And he said that, Aretha, it's really a sin to be mean and cruel
He also told me that behaving badly towards others is not only wrong, but sinful
So remember if you're untrue
If you are dishonest or unfaithful
Angels up in heaven are looking, looking at you, yeah, at the stars
The angels in heaven are watching your actions, closely observing you
You'll never get to heaven if you break my heart, baby
You won't be able to achieve true happiness or inner peace if you hurt me
So be very careful not to break my heart
Therefore, be cautious and respectful of my emotions and feelings
I've been hearing rumors all about how you play around (Yes, I have)
I have heard rumors that suggest you are unfaithful or disloyal
And though I don't, I don't believe what I hear, baby, still it gets me down
Even though I don't necessarily believe these rumors, they still bring me down
If you ever should say goodbye
If you were to ever leave me
It will be so awful the angels would cry
The pain and sadness would be so great that even the angels would be moved to tears
I can't hardly wait for the day when we say "I do"
I am excited and filled with anticipation for the day we get married
It's the day that I, I dreamed of so long, now it's coming true
This is a day that I have imagined and wished for, and now it is finally becoming a reality
You will promise to cherish me (Yes, you will)
You will make a vow to love and value me
And, baby, if you break your promise, the angels, they can see, oooh, yeah
If you were to break this promise, it would not only hurt me, but is also something that is observed by the divine
And I know you wanna go (Yes, you do)
I am aware that you may have other things you want to do or places to go
If you're driving in your car, watch what you're doing and think
If you are out and about, be mindful of your actions and decisions
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David, BURT F. BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tcj679
Aretha crushed this song and made it her own. Absolutely dynamic ! 👏🏽👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@thegodblogger3812
She really played with this one. Aretha danced all around the melody, falling behind and running ahead here and there. On repeated listening I could get into it.
@paulo929refael2
I love Aretha’s soaring interpretation of this song, together with Jerry Wexler’s lush and passionate production. The flute crescendo at 3.24 kills me every time, while Aretha’s glorious a cappella coda gives me shivers. So much raw soul, both the singer and the song know the marriage will never work. I think that’s why this cover ends with Aretha’s solo voice, her whoop of joy. She will make it.
@aminsmith9657
RE RE RE!! SANGGG THAT SONG!
@nicasilklady2131
The very first female voice I fell in love with. Have held onto the actual album, looked for years for this on CD, don't believe it exists. Because of this phenomenal blessed voice, blessed woman, music and song has always been foremost in my life. This song in particular as ONLY ARETHA CAN DO IT is my absolute favorite version.
@soundingbraz
one of her underrated gems - Aretha takes us on a journey with this song as she weaves spiral staircases of vocal delight - a journey that ultimately leads to heaven
@soundingbraz
..and the killer ending where she literally transcends the medium by stepping outside the record and addressing the listener directly - brilliant!
@jacquelinemanley8545
Aretha you are singing this song in heaven with the angels God bless
@lesterjordan1317
Sang QUEEN
@sharonsimmons1325
Aretha Franklin queen of soul.beauful song love 💜 it just saying Glad your music will live our hearts years to come much love always 💜.