Think
Aretha Franklin & Blues Brothers Lyrics


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You better think (think)
Think about what you're trying to do to me
Think (think, think)
Let your mind go, let yourself be free

Let's go back, let's go back
Let's go way on, way back when
I didn't even know you
You couldn't have been too much more than ten (just a child)
I ain't no psychiatrist, I ain't no doctor with degrees
But, it don't take too much high IQ's
To see what you're doing to me

You better think (think)
Think about what you're trying to do to me
Yeah, think (think, think)
Let your mind go, let yourself be free

Oh, freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom)
Oh, freedom, yeah, freedom
Freedom (freedom), oh oh freedom (freedom)
Freedom, oh freedom

Hey, think about it, think about it

There ain't nothing you could ask
I could answer you but I won't (I won't)
But I was gonna change, but I'm not
If you keep doing things I don't

You better think (think)
Think about what you're trying to do to me
Think (think)
Let your mind go, let yourself be free

People walking around everyday
Playing games, taking scores
Trying to make other people lose their minds
Ah, be careful you don't lose yours, oh

Think (think)
Think about what you're trying to do to me, ooh
Think (think)
Let your mind go, let yourself be free

You need me (need me)
And I need you (don't you know)
Without eachother there ain't nothing people can do, oh

Think about it, baby (What are you trying to do me)
Yeah, oh baby, think about it now, yeah
(Think about, forgiveness, dream about forgiveness)
To the ball, forgiveness
Think about it baby




To the ball, forgiveness
To the ball, forgiveness

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Aretha Franklin & Blues Brother's song "Think" speak of the need for introspection and self-reflection. The song warns the audience against trying to manipulate or abuse others while encouraging them to be true to themselves and let their minds be free. The opening lines suggest that the person addressed in the song is doing something malicious to the singer and urges them to consider their actions carefully. The singer is not a psychiatrist or a doctor with degrees, but it doesn't require high intelligence to see what is being done to them. The repeated "think, think, think" emphasizes the need for the listener to consider the consequences of their actions.


The song then takes a nostalgic turn, "let's go back, let's go back," recalling a time when the singer did not even know the person addressed in the song. The clever play on words with "let's go way on way back when" adds to the song's allure while underscoring the importance of looking back to move forward. The lyrics communicate that there is nothing that the listener could ask the singer that she could not answer, but she will not because they keep doing things she does not like. The song also cautions against playing games and trying to make others lose their minds.


Overall, the song promotes self-awareness, self-authenticity, and encourages people to look inwardly and think about their actions' effects. The message is an empowering one, and the song's catchy beat and rhythm make it all the more appealing.


Line by Line Meaning

You better think (think)
You need to give serious thought to what you're doing


Think about what you're trying to do to me
Consider the effect your actions are having on me


Think (think, think)
Reminding you to put greater thought into your actions


Let your mind go, let yourself be free
Free yourself from the negative influence causing harm


Let's go back, let's go back
Recalling a memory of a better time


Let's go way on, way back when
Going back to a moment in the distant past


I didn't even know you
At that time, you were a stranger to me


You couldn't have been too much more than ten (just a child)
You were very young and innocent


I ain't no psychiatrist, I ain't no doctor with degrees
I may not have formal training, but I have common sense


But, it don't take too much high IQ's
It doesn't take a genius to understand


To see what you're doing to me
To realize the harm and hurt you are causing me


Oh, freedom (freedom), freedom (freedom)
Yearning for true freedom in life


Oh, freedom, yeah, freedom
Freedom, an essential part of being human


Hey, think about it, think about it
Think deeply and thoroughly


There ain't nothing you could ask
There's nothing you could say or do


I could answer you but I won't (I won't)
I'm choosing not to engage in this discussion


But I was gonna change, but I'm not
I used to consider changing, but not anymore


If you keep doing things I don't
Unless you stop the negative behavior


People walking around everyday
People going about their daily lives


Playing games, taking scores
Engaging in competition and comparison


Trying to make other people lose their minds
Trying to drive others crazy with anger or frustration


Ah, be careful you don't lose yours, oh
A warning to not let external circumstances affect your own sanity


You need me (need me)
You require my presence or support


And I need you (don't you know)
I rely on you just as much


Without each other there ain't nothing people can do, oh
We both need each other in this situation


Think about it, baby (What are you trying to do me)
Consider what you're doing to me and to our relationship


Yeah, oh baby, think about it now, yeah
Urging the other person to come to their senses


(Think about, forgiveness, dream about forgiveness)
Reflect on the idea of forgiveness and imagine the possibility of it


To the ball, forgiveness
An allusion to the idea of a court ball where forgiveness and reconciliation can happen


Think about it baby
Deeply consider the need for forgiveness and reconciliation


To the ball, forgiveness
Reiterating the need for forgiveness




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, SPRINGTIME MUSIC INC
Written by: Aretha Franklin, Ted White

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@galpeleg143

allow me to answer this:
Princess Bride
GodFather
Godfather 2
Highlander (1 ONLY !!!!! )
the good the bad and the ugly (or as i call it -> the Packo story :) )
empire strike back
blazing saddles
terminator (i'm of the minority who prefare 1 over 2)
and i'm sure many have more movies top add :) probably u to :)

Blues Brother is a GREAT MOVIE , a CONTENDER for SURE !!!!, but there is a STRONG competition on best movie ever :)



All comments from YouTube:

@FactBuffet

Dan Aykroyd would later say that his "legs, stomach and solar plexus turned to jelly" when Aretha started to sing during the filming of this scene.

@somedutchguy7582

Same thing here, every time!

@TheJerbol

Raising his arms above his head a couple times was too much?

@pattyayers

It was amazing, but she was lip-syncing, to herself obviously

@thismanismentallyinsane2982

​@@TheJerbol I think it's just that Aretha sings so good

@TheGermanObserver

Aretha was just from another planet. God, what a voice, what a woman!!! If I'd had the choice, I'd have stayed. ❤️

33 More Replies...

@StevieB8363

I love how Blue Lou kept his sax on hand, because you never know when you might have a spontaneous musical event happen in a diner. He was a true professional.

@fennugreek-gs5zb

The sax accompaniment really takes this version to another level. If you listen to the original you really miss it.

@thedorkone1516

Guy knew he lived in a musical comedy world.

@scarab944

Similarly, Matt "Guitar" Murphy somehow had his guitar in its case and ready to go at the end of the counter.

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