Respect
Redding (Otis) Lyrics
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And what you need, baby, you've got it
All I'm asking
For a little respect when I come home, hey now
Hey hey hey, yeah now
Do me wrong, honey, if you wanna to
You can do me wrong honey, while I'm gone
Is for a little respect when I come home, ooh, yeah now
Hey hey hey, yeah now
Hey little girl, you're so sweet, little honey
And I'm about to, just give you all of my money
And all I'm asking, hey
A little respect when I come home, hey hey
Hey hey hey, yeah now
Hey little girl, you're sweeter then honey
And I'm about to give you all of my money
But all I want you to do
Is just give it, give it
Respect when I come home, hey hey now
Hey hey hey, yeah now
Respect is what I want from you
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
Got to, got to have it
Got to, got to have it
Talkin'
Give us, give us, give us, give us
Give us, give us, give us, give us
Give us, give us some baby, everything I need
Give us, give us some baby, everything I want
The lyrics to Otis Redding's "Respect" are a plea for mutual understanding and appreciation in a relationship. The singer expresses that his significant other has everything he wants and needs, but all he asks for in return is a little respect when he comes home. He acknowledges that she can do him wrong while he's gone but asks for her to show him respect when he returns. The mention of "little girl" could be seen as a term of endearment or as demonstrating the gender dynamics present in relationships during that time.
Throughout the song, the repetition of the phrase "hey now" and "hey hey hey" creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the singer's desire for respect. The lyrics also touch on the idea of material possessions, with the singer willing to give his significant other all his money but still wanting to be respected.
Otis Redding's version of "Respect" was later made famous by Aretha Franklin, who re-recorded the song with revised lyrics that emphasized the importance of respect for women's rights and empowerment. Franklin's version became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement and is widely recognized as her signature song.
Line by Line Meaning
What you want, honey, you got it
I understand your wishes and will fulfill them
And what you need, baby, you've got it
I know your requirements and I'll make sure you have them
All I'm asking
My request is simple
For a little respect when I come home, hey now
Just show me some appreciation and regard when I get home
Hey hey hey, yeah now
Emphasizing the importance of respect
Do me wrong, honey, if you wanna to
If you want to deceive me, go ahead
You can do me wrong honey, while I'm gone
You can cheat on me while I'm not around
But all I'm asking
But even with that freedom, all I want is
Is for a little respect when I come home, ooh, yeah now
Some admiration when I return home is all I ask for
Hey hey hey, yeah now
Stressing the significance of respect
Hey little girl, you're so sweet, little honey
Addressing the lady affectionately
And I'm about to, just give you all of my money
I feel so fond of you that I want to give you all my wealth
And all I'm asking, hey
However, all I want is
A little respect when I come home, hey hey
Just some esteem when I return home will suffice
Hey hey hey, yeah now
Reinforcing the importance of respect
Hey little girl, you're sweeter then honey
Addressing the lady affectionately again
And I'm about to give you all of my money
I genuinely admire and treasure you so much that I'm willing to give you all I have
But all I want you to do
In return, all I expect from you is
Is just give it, give it
Simply offer me
Respect when I come home, hey hey now
Some consideration and deference when I return home
Respect is what I want from you
I desire your appreciation and esteem
Respect is what I need
I require your admiration and regard
Respect is what I want
I want your consideration and deference
Respect is what I need
I need your appreciation and esteem
Got to, got to have it
I must have it
Got to, got to have it
It is a necessity for me
Got to, got to have it
I cannot do without it
Got to, got to have it
It is vitally crucial for me
Talkin'
Speaking out
Give us, give us, give us, give us
I plead with you to offer
Give us, give us, give us, give us
I ask again for you to offer
Give us, give us some baby, everything I need
Please show me some admiration, as that's all I need
Give us, give us some baby, everything I want
Offering me admiration is all I desire
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Otis Redding
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chocolatecitygemini3832
Those background instruments set it off on this song nd that's why I say Aretha's remake was good.
But Otis with that soulful pleading voice backed up by those instruments gives him IMO, the nod over RE RE for the best version of Respect.
Str8 like that!!
BTW, RE RE nd Otis are among others, 2 of America's greatest Soul Singers IMO.
🗣I'M PUT N RESPECK ON BOTH OF THEIR NAMES!!!
Lls!!
🗣♊️👤
@MrChristian
Holy effin’ crap. Took me 57 years to discover that Aretha’s version was a frickin’ cover? And that Otis wrote it? WTFF!!??
@freshtapcoke
I’m right behind you, man 😭
@ahmad.tillery.1987
Otis Redding was so young but he had this old soul in his voice. This blows my mind RIP Otis Redding.
@uncoverthetruth8365
I always thought that when I found out all these singers were basically kids 😩🤣🤣
Like they sound like they been through decades of pain
@NowandDen83
Died so young at 26…crazy true legend!
@sharonjensen3016
Should have taken the bus. Just like many others who died in plane crashes.
@vashna3799
Totally different perspectives. Aretha’s is about female empowerment but Otis’ original was about him getting a bit of respect from the wife.
@bodycenteredwisdom
By calling her a little girl … lol
@Keemthedream404
They saying the same damn thing
@hellochannel6344
@@bodycenteredwisdom Listen to Ike and Tina's version at the Beat Club and you'll be at peace ✌️ 😊