Respect
Jackie Wilson/Count Basie Lyrics
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Honey you've got it
And what you need
Baby you've got it
All I'm asking
Is for a little respect when I come home
Honey if you wanna
You can do me wrong
Honey while I am gone
But all I'm asking for
Is for a little respect when I come home
Hey little girl, you're so sweeter than honey
And I am about to just give you all my money
All I'm asking for
Is a little respect when I come home
Hey little girl, you're sweeter than honey
And I am about to give you all my money
But all I want you to do
Just give it, give it
Respect when I come home
Respect is what I want
Respect is what I need
Respect is what I want
Respect is what I need
Got to, got to have it
Got to, got to have it
Gotta, got to have it
Gotta, got to have it
The lyrics in Jackie Wilson/Count Basie's song Respect sends a message of a powerful and confident individual demanding a little respect from their partner. The lyrics begin with an acknowledgement of the partner's desirability, stating "What you want, honey you've got it, and what you need, baby you've got it." However, despite any wrongdoing, the singer is asking for respect when returning home. The repetition of the phrase "all I'm asking for is a little respect when I come home" emphasizes the significance of the demand.
The second verse continues with the same underlying message, "Hey little girl, you're sweeter than honey, and I am about to just give you all my money," and again asking for respect when they get home. The use of honey and little girl in the lyrics is an interesting twist, as it speaks to the singer's affection toward their partner, while still insistent they receive the required respect.
The chorus is an unwavering statement of the singer's desires for respect and the assurance that it is what they need and want. The repetition of the words "got to, got to have it" only emphasizes the importance of respect in the singer's life.
Overall, Jackie Wilson/Count Basie's song Respect is a timeless classic that sends a message of independence, confidence, and the necessity of respect. Its message of the need for mutual respect and consideration in a relationship has defined the song as a feminist anthem and a call to individuals to demand the respect they deserve.
Line by Line Meaning
What you want
Tell me what it is that you desire
Honey you've got it
You already possess whatever you want, my dear
And what you need
In addition to what you want, you also have what you require
Baby you've got it
You have everything you need, my sweetie
All I'm asking
My request is simple
Is for a little respect when I come home
Just show me a bit of respect once I am back home
Do me wrong
If you wish to betray me
Honey if you wanna
My dear, you are free to do so
You can do me wrong
You are capable of deceiving me
Honey while I am gone
During my absence, if you see fit
But all I'm asking for
However, what I request of you
Is for a little respect when I come home
Is that you display a modicum of respect for me upon my return
Hey little girl, you're so sweeter than honey
Addressing a young lady, declaring that she is incredibly delightful
And I am about to just give you all my money
Further expressing his admiration by humorously stating that he would give her all his money
All I'm asking for
Once again, his demand is merely
Is a little respect when I come home
For her to treat him with a little bit of respect when he arrives home
Hey little girl, you're sweeter than honey
Reiterating the previous sentiment of complimenting the girl's sweetness
And I am about to give you all my money
Jokingly stating that he wants to give her all his money due to her likable personality
But all I want you to do
Despite his playful advances, his expectation is
Just give it, give it
Simply respect him
Respect when I come home
When he returns home, treat him with respect
Respect is what I want
He desires respect from his loved ones
Respect is what I need
He requires respect from those close to him
Respect is what I want
Once more highlighting his request for respect
Respect is what I need
Emphasizing the importance of respect in his relationships
Got to, got to have it
He absolutely must have respect
Got to, got to have it
Reiterating that he can't survive without respect
Gotta, got to have it
He must, without question, possess respect
Gotta, got to have it
One more time stating that he requires respect to live happily
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANQUETTE CORTE ALLEN, OTIS REDDING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind